Influenza Season is Approaching
by Leanne Maxwell, School Nurse
September 14, 2009
When your child is sick and you have to make the decision whether or not to keep him or her home from school, here are some tips about the flu....
If you are ill with H1N1 or seasonal flu symptoms, they should
avoid contact with others. Symptoms may include fever greater than
100 degrees, uncontrolled coughing, vomiting, stomach pain,
diarrhea, severe sore throat, headache, eye drainage, and body
aches. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing and throw away tissues after using them. Wash your hands
often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Don't come to
school if you are sick and remember you can be contagious for
several days. Seek a doctor's diagnosis for your illness. According
to Nebraska law, "children showing any signs of infectious disease
at school are required to be sent home immediately..." If you
become ill at school, report to the school nurse. After an illness,
the CDC recommends at least 24 hours fever-free, without the need
for fever-reducing medicine, before returning to school. We all
need to work together to reduce the spread of illness.
