The Flu
The Flu
With flu season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our 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.
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:
*5-20 percent of Americans fall ill to the flu
*Children are 2-3 times more likely than adults 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 complicatioins, 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. The droplets that are released in the sneezing or coughing will travel up to 6 feet, which is why it is important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands afterwards. Hand washing is the single most important thing to do to prevent the spread of germs?
What Are The Common Symptoms of Flu?
Common symptoms of flu 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
Simple Steps For Keeping Your Child Healthy
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine.You should talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
*Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
(That is long enough to sing Happy Birthday or recite the ABC's)
*Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of the tissue in a proper trash receptacle
*Avoid sharing drinks, water bottles or silverware with others
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:
*5-20 percent of Americans fall ill to the flu
*Children are 2-3 times more likely than adults 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 complicatioins, 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. The droplets that are released in the sneezing or coughing will travel up to 6 feet, which is why it is important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands afterwards. Hand washing is the single most important thing to do to prevent the spread of germs?
What Are The Common Symptoms of Flu?
Common symptoms of flu 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
Simple Steps For Keeping Your Child Healthy
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine.You should talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
*Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
(That is long enough to sing Happy Birthday or recite the ABC's)
*Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and disposing of the tissue in a proper trash receptacle
*Avoid sharing drinks, water bottles or silverware with others
You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys and other commonly shared items. Don't forget the phone, and door knobs! 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 some antiviral medications are up to 89% effective in preventing the flu when taken once daily for 7 days.
Don't Take The Flu Lying Down
If you are concerned about your child's flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease. Some children may benefit from antiviral medications, prescribed by your family doctor and can help lessen the duration of the virus and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia.To be effective, antiviral medications should be taken within 12-48 hours after flu symptoms begin
If your child has the flu, it is important for them to stay home from school, get the proper rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Please do not send them back to school until their fever is down below 100 for at least 24 hours and symptoms have subsided.
Thanks so much for helping us to stay healthy!