Tis the season...For flu that is!  It is that special time of year that the dreaded flu rears its ugly head. According to the CDC website, there are several ways you can prevent the flu from entering your household: 

 

 

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu.

 

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

 

 

  Unfortionately, even when we are practicing preventative measures we can still find that we have fallen victim to the flu!  Signs and symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, boadyahces, headaches, chills, fatique, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Please note that not all people run fever with the flu.

 

 

  If you suspect that your child has the flu follow up with their pediatrician or primary care physician. If your child is diagnosed with the flu please be sure to call and report it to the school so we can keep track of how many students have been affected. 

 

 

You can find additional information on the flu on the CDC website link below. 

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm