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IT'S FLU SEASON
Be Prepared!

by Gwen Kinney
December 05, 2006

We are entering the flu season.  Influenza is a respiratory virus that
causes fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, cough,  and sorethroat.  This
respiratory virus is not to be confused with the stomach viruses that cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach upset.  The most common ways that any
virus enters our body is via our hands, by touching something that has the
virus on it and then touching our eyes, nose or mouth, or by breathing in
the virus when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The number one way you can protect yourself from any illness is to wash
your hands regularly.  You can really help your body fight cold, flu and
stomach viruses by eating a balanced diet including lots of fruit and
vegetables, drinking plenty of healthy fluids, and getting at least 8
hours of sleep per night.

Students experiencing  diarrhea, vomiting or temperatures of 100 degrees

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and greater need to be home at rest.  Do not give Aspirin to children or
adolescents who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.  Give Tylenol or
Ibuprofen for fever and/or achiness.  Attempt to prevent dehydration by
drinking plenty of liquids.  If experiencing vomiting, do not eat or drink
for 1 hour following a vomiting episode, then start with sips of water,
7up or Coke.  If these liquids stay down, you may increase the amount of
liquids and add light solids, i.e. crackers, jello, soup.

In an attempt to keep the virus from spreading:
   * cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, if no tissue
available 
     use your sleeve,
   * refrain from visiting others or attending social events when
experiencing flu
     symptoms,
   * if you must be out when you have flu symptoms, stay 3 feet away from
others.

Here's hoping you stay well this flu season and if you have any questions
about the flu, or whether your child is well enough to come to school,
please contact your school nurse or your doctor.

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