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