Nothing Less Than Excellence

REMINDER: TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT THE FLU!

REMINDER: TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT THE FLU!

 

The health and safety of our students and staff is a high priority at Edison Township Public Schools . To be proactive during this year’s challenging flu season, we are providing the following information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults. 

 

Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly eyes.

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu, and anti-viral drugs that can help lessen the severity of a flu virus. Contact your family physician if you suspect that you, or someone in your family, may have the flu.

 

We ask that you help us in our efforts to keep our school environment a healthy one by encouraging your children to practice good hygiene – washing hands is an important preventive measure. Please keep your children home when they're sick. Our Health Office protocol is that an individual be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. 

Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter. For more information about the flu, please go to the CDC website:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

 

Christopher Conklin

Assistant Superintendent for Pupil-Special Services