Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Staff, Flu season is here! The increase in influenza (FLU) in Maine and across the United States has many health officials concerned. As school nurses, we are asking for your help in preventing the spread of flu in our schools. Influenza is highly contagious and can come on quickly. People typically experience: headache, fever (greater than 100.0), severe body aches, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms accompanied with a fever, they must not return to school until their temperature has been normal for a full 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen). If you have any questions regarding your child’s symptoms, your child’s primary care provider is the best person to call. Doing the following may help protect you and your family from the spread of influenza: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or inside of the elbow if a tissue is not available Washing your hands often with soap and water is best or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available Avoid taking infants, young children or those with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes or cancer into large crowds during flu season Minimize close contact with those who are ill Do not share water bottles, straws, or eating utensils IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FLU SHOT, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO SEE YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER TO GET ONE. Visit the following website to learn more about Influenza: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html We appreciate your help in keeping our schools and communities healthy and safe. Sincerely, AOS 92 Nursing Team Ann Bouchard, MS, MA, RN Waterville Senior High School Schari Roy, BSN, RN, MS Ed. Waterville Junior High School Gail Dunn, AD, RN George J Mitchell School Melanie Lecours, BSHA, RN Albert S. Hall School Sarah DeWitt, BSN, RN Winslow High School Tammy Diaz, BSN, RN Winslow Junior High School Jennifer Lakey, MSN, RN Winslow Elementary School Mary Ann Fortin, BSN, RN Vassalboro School |
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