Dear CM 201-U Parents & Guardians,
The peak of the cold and flu season is upon us. To help us prevent widespread flu across the District, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Please consider the following guidelines when deciding whether or not to send your child to school:
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
- Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough
- Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
- Headache
- Stomach ache
Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he/she has any of these symptoms:
- Fever (greater than 100 degrees and your child may return to school only after his/her temperature has
been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours)
- Vomiting (even once)
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
- Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits, such as:
- Wash hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds)
- Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Colds are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until "fever free" for a minimum of 24 hours. Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin) it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not to bring to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses.
As a district, building custodians will continue to disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, and banisters on a daily basis. We will continue to ensure soap and hand sanitizer dispensers are available and encourage all staff to remind students about the importance of hand washing.
Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible!
Please review the attached information below:
The Flu: A Guide for Parents
La influenza: Guía para padres