ISD 281 Taking Preventative Measures Against Flu

There’s no denying that the flu, which has claimed more than 60 lives in Minnesota, has residents thinking about the importance of preventative measures. Schools across Minnesota are taking steps to ensure that students are staying healthy, including Robbinsdale Area Schools.

In an email last Friday, Amber Spaniol, the Districts’ health services program director, said that ISD 281 has not seen an increase in absences related to the flu. Which could be, in part, due to schools’ work to promote vaccination and sanitary practices.  

Spaniol said that staff promotes yearly influenza vaccination for all students, staff and families via newsletters, individual communication, posters and staff meetings. Nurses also help connect families to low-cost immunization clinics when needed.

In general, health services employees at Robbinsdale Area Schools:               

• Educate students, staff and caregivers about flu/cold symptoms and when to stay home.
• Promote hand hygiene and give reminders to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Routinely disinfect commonly used surfaces and encourage staff to do so as well.
• Closely monitor students with certain medical conditions who are at highest risk for severe flu-related illness (i.e. students with asthma, other chronic lung diseases, heart disease, weakened immune systems, etc.).
• Maintain good working relationships with state and local health officials for ongoing communication and collaboration when needed.  

Related:

• CDC Says Flu Rates Up Across Minnesota; Severe Illnesses Reported: Where to Get Flu Shots in Plymouth
• Simple Steps to Fight Off the Flu