Dear Parent or Guardian:
This letter is to provide you information about the flu outbreak many schools are experiencing around the world. To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Contact your scholars school and inform them of the absence. To decide whether or not to send your child lo school, please consider the following guidelines:
Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
Fever-greater than 100° F and your child should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Vomiting (even once)
Diarrhea
Chills
General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough
Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:
Wash hands frequently
Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Using a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Colds and influenza are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until they are "fever-free" for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring them to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
It is recommended everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year.
Thank you in advance for helping this school year be as healthy as possible.