The flu started late this season but has been on the rise since February. The flu vaccine is reported to be 59% effective, which means that you have 60% chance of not getting the flu. Symptoms of the flu are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue. Children may have vomiting or diarrhea. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm.
Once exposed to the virus, people may start having symptoms within 1-4 days and infected people are contagious 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after symptoms start. If caught early, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs, especially if underlying medical conditions are present to help lessen the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness by 1-2 days. Treatment of the flu includes rest, fluids, pain or fever control with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and avoidance of others to prevent its spread. To help prevent catching the flu, stay away from people with the flu, keep hands away from face/nose/mouth, cover your cough/sneeze, wash your hands frequently, and get vaccinated yearly.
This week, many students have cold symptoms and some with fever. As a rule, if students keep blowing their nose or cough a lot, which can be a distraction in the classroom, it is best to keep them home for their well-being and to help prevent the spread of viruses. Students who are sent home with fever cannot return to school the next day. They have to be fever-free without the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen and must be feeling better. As always, I encourage you to let the clinic know if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease such as strep or the flu.
Until next time, remain healthy!
Marie Confident, RN, BSN
Shorecrest School Nurse
