Letter: Tips to Avoid Catching the Flu

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As you may be aware, we are in the midst of flu season. Because Influenza can be easily spread from person to person, we are taking steps to reduce the spread of flu in school and we require your help in order to accomplish this.

Symptoms of the flu include: fever, headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza is spread via coughs and sneezes (respiratory droplets). Sometimes flu can be spread when a person touches droplets, nose drainage or saliva from an infected person, then touches one's own mouth or nose before washing their hands. In order to prevent the spread of infection, please encourage all family members to:

• Wash hands frequently, especially after eating, wiping the nose, using the lavatory and touching soiled surfaces.
• Hand sanitizers may be used infrequently, in the absence of soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when sick. (Children must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of any medication that has fever-reducing properties).
• Avoid close contact with people are ill.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces with an approved sanitizer. (Label should state which organisms are killed by the product). A 1 to 10 percent bleach/water mixture will work as well.
• Do not give aspirin to a child who has the flu.

For parents to read more about the flu, please visit the following website: CDC Seasonal Influenza Information.

Here are a few locations that are administering the flue vaccination.

1. CVS- after 4 p.m. Covered under most insurance, otherwise $31.99.
2. Shoprite- Covered under most insurance, otherwise $20 (walk ins ok)
3. Ocean County Board of Health- Wednesday at 333 Haywood Road in Manahawkin from 5 to 7 p.m. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Anita L. Hergert
District Nurse Coordinator