If you think your child has the flu...

This time of year we experience an increased number of flu-like illnesses, upper respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. In an effort to minimize the spread of these illnesses in our schools, we are asking parents to take the following measures:

• If you suspect your child has a fever, take your child's temperature. If the reading is 100 degrees or above, please keep your child at home. Do not send your child back to school for at least 24 hours after the fever has broken.
• To reduce a fever, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). Check the label for accurate doses for weight and age. Do not give aspirin to a child. Aspirin has been associated with a condition called Reyes' syndrome, which has harmful effects on children. Use a cool, wet cloth to wipe your child's body, or place him/her in a tub of lukewarm water. Do not put your child in a tub of cold water or use alcohol.
• Encourage good hand washing at home. Hand washing is the single most important means to reduce the spread of infection.
• If your child has symptoms of the flu such as: headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea accompanied by an elevated fever, contact your child's physician.
• If your child needs to take a prescription medication at school, we must have a written authorization from the prescribing physician, as well as written parental permission. This is a county-wide School Board policy. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, require a note from the parent or guardian. Please include the name of the medication, dosage, and the times to be given. Also include the time for the next dose. Medications are to be brought to school in the original containers.

We will continue to encourage good hygiene practices such as proper hand washing, careful disposal of dirty tissues, and the importance of covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, while your child is at school.

If your child develops a temperature of 100 degrees or above, has vomiting or diarrhea, we will ask you to pick your child up from school early. Please keep your child at home until symptoms have resolved.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school nurse.