Many schools are reporting multiple absences due to Influenza A or B. Unfortunately, classrooms are an environment where the flu can spread easily.
For parents:
- If your child is diagnosed with flu or suspected flu, please plan to keep him/her home for at least four days, and only if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. The CDC states that people with flu are contagious for 3-4 days after symptoms begin, so keeping sick children at home is critical to stop the spread of disease.
- Teach your children to wash their hands, blow their nose into a tissue and throw it away, and cough into their elbows.
- Get a flu shot if you haven't already. The vaccine is offering some protection against this year's strains of flu.
In addition, AAPS is following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to prevent the spread of flu in schools, including implementing disinfection protocols and daily cleaning of "high touch" areas.
