Flu Season

Post date: Jan 26, 2018 5:37:47 PM

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