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May 19, 2012

Influenza-like illness resources

Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) is the phrase being used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to describe a person who shows symptoms of any type of flu.

In the wake of H1N1, the school district remains vigilant in monitoring absenteeism and the situation closely in our schools and will continue to work closely with our school nurses and the local health department to provide the safest learning environment possible for all of our students. The district is continuing to encourage students to use strategies to prevent flu-like illness.

For example, hand sanitizers are now available in all school buildings for student, staff and visitor use. Our maintenance staff continues its daily routine of sanitizing all parts of our buildings according to standards established by our local and state health departments.

School nurses are on the lookout for students with flu-like symptoms. Students who have these symptoms are sent home for recuperation and to prevent the spread of the flu. When parents/guardians call the school to report that their children are sick, they will be asked if the child has flu-like symptoms. Please understand that providing this information is completely voluntary. We are collecting the data at the request of local and state health departments and to track levels and types of illness in the district.

To help keep you, your children and our school community healthy, please follow the recommendations set forth by the Center for Disease Control to prevent the spread of influenza and other illnesses:

  • > Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
  • > Cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
  • > Stay home if you are sick of if you have flu-like symptoms. Do not send children back to school until they no longer have a fever for 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medication. Additionally, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

For more information

For more information on H1N1 virus and influenza-like illness, including helpful resources for students, staff and parents, visit the links provided below.

 

WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

Call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-800-808-1987