Flu Information
FLU CLINIC (for 5 years old and up):
Whisconier Middle School
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
5:00-8:00 pm
**A Reminder To All Preschool Parents: All preschool students are required to have the influenza (flu) vaccine by December 31st. If your child is receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time, 2 doses separated by 28 days are required. Proof of vaccination must be provided to the school nurse by December 31st. Click here for Q&A from the Connecticut Department of Public health regarding the influenza vaccine requirement.
A cold begins slowly, usually with a scratchy sore throat, then sneezing and runny nose. A mild cough may follow. Young children may run a fever up to 102 with a cold. In general, a cold is milder than the flu.
The flu begins with a sudden onset of a headache and dry cough, and possibly a high fever and chills. Muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose and extreme fatigue (tiredness) also occur. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
If you have a cold or the flu, antibiotics will not help. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses. Antiviral medications are available by prescription to treat the flu. Antiviral medications can make the flu milder and shorten the time that you are sick. Discuss with your health care provider whether the use of antiviral medications is appropriate for you as they need to be started within the first 2 days of illness.
What can you do to avoid a cold or the flu? Here are some suggestions:
- Get the flu vaccine.The CDC recommends everyone over 6 months old should get a flu vaccine.
- Wash Your Hands! Use warm water and soap. Wash for 15-20 seconds (or as I tell the children, sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.) before rinsing.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your ELBOW, not your hands! Hands are more likely to spread germs through touch than elbows
- Disinfect “hot spots”: doorknobs, light switches, faucets, phone receiver, refrigerator door handle, TV remote, video game controllers, computer keyboard/mouse etc...
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
When can your child return to school? He/she may return to school after being free of fever (100 degrees) for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine (Tylenol, ibuprofen) and is up to the rigors of the school day. Please call and notify me if your child gets the flu!
Click on the links & images below for flu information from the CDC: