| The Flu, What
Parents Need To Know To Keep Students Healthy.
With flu season upon us, it is
important that we work together to keep out children and school
healthy. By keeping our children Flu-free, we benefit the community
as a whole. Additionally, healthy students miss fewer days of
school, which results in less stress on the family. The following
are answers to frequently asked questions about the flu and how to
protect your child.
What is the flu?
The Flu is caused by the
influenza virus, which infects the lungs, nose, and throat. Flu can
cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes, can lead to death. Each
year in the United States five to twenty percent of Americans fall
ill to the flu. Children are two to three times more likely to get
sick with the flu, and they frequently spread the virus to others.
Young children are at the greatest risk for developing serious flu
complications as well as the elderly and those with certain health
conditions.
How does flu spread?
There are two ways to get the
flu. Usually flu is spread from person to person through coughing
and sneezing. Occasionally people can get the flu from touching a
germ infested surface.
What are common symptoms?
Often, we get confused about
the symptoms of the flu and how they are different from a common
cold. Knowing the symptoms of the flu is important and will help you
act quickly to get your child feeling better faster. Common symptoms
include high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches,
exhaustion and dry cough. Children often have additional flu
symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Symptoms of a common cold
include: stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and hacking cough.
According to the Center for
disease control and prevention the best way to prevent your child
from getting the flu is to take him or her to get a flu vaccine. You
should talk to your child about practicing good health habits such
as:
1) Washing hands frequently
with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2) Covering mouth and nose
with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of the tissue
in a proper trash receptacle.
3) Avoid sharing drinks, water
bottles, or silverware with others.
4) You can help prevent the
flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched
surfaces, toys, phones, and other commonly shared items.
Also if someone in your
household gets the flu, a doctor can prescribe a medication, called
an antiviral, that can actually prevent other members of the
household from catching the flu. Studies show that antiviral
medications are up to 92% effective in preventing the flu when taken
once daily for seven days.
If you are concerned about
your flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor
immediately if your child has a chronic disease. Some children might
benefit from an antiviral medication, which can be prescribed by a
physician and can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the risk of
complications. To be effective, antiviral medication must be taken
with in 48 hours after flu symptoms begin.
If you have the flu, it is
important to stay home from school, rest, and drink plenty of
fluids. Additionally, notify the school nurse if your child has the
flu. Monitoring flu incidence will keep students, faculty, and our
community healthy.
For additional
information on the flu virus, visit
The Center of
Disease and Control.
Flu: What Parents Need to Know
Flu outbreaks among school children are a major concern every year,
so it is important that we take precautions to keep everyone
healthy. This provides parents with answers to frequently asked
questions about the flu, including how the virus spreads, common
symptoms, and simple prevention tips.
Flu: Tips from the School Nurse
This fact sheet is an educational tool geared to the student. It
provides information on how to best avoid getting the flu, and how
to tell the difference between a cold and the flu.
Tips for the Season
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