This is a good time to review some precautions for the flu and cold season! Below are some guidelines for determining when your child has a cold or the flu.
Remember your child must be fever free for 24 hours, without medication before returning to school.
HOW TO AVOID THE FLU:
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
- If you get sick, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
SYMPTOMS of the FLU
Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death in some cases.
The flu is different from a cold, and it also differs from the so-called stomach flu, which involves an upset stomach. You should keep your child home with the stomach flu for at least 24 hours.
Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include at least two of the following “flu-like symptoms”:
- Fever of more than 100 degrees
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also may occur, but those are more common in children than adults.
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