Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Still in Cold and Flu Season

Even though we think that spring is around the corner, we are still in the cold and flu season (and all contagious illnesses).
  • Recently in the schools, there have been some cases of influenza, norovirus, strep throat, and pink eye.
  • The best prevention is hand washing, and covering your cough.
  • Influenza-like illness (ILI) information needs to be on every school’s Attendance Phone Line voicemail.
Here is a template that can be used:
“This is the ________ School attendance line.  Please leave your student’s name, grade, teacher’s name, and the reason for the absence. 
If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or greater, and a cough or sore throat, please leave that information as well. Thank you”
What can schools do to prevent the spread of flu?
  • Help promote flu vaccination for all students, staff, and families throughout flu season.
  • Be aware of flu symptoms:
    • fever
    • headache
    • fatigue
    • cough
    • sore throat
    • body aches
  • Promote hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, and staying home when sick for both students and staff.
  • Give students and staff tissues to cover coughs and sneezes as well as liquid soap, paper towels, and time to wash their hands.
  • Routinely clean and disinfect commonly used areas and frequently touched surfaces. Flu can remain on surfaces for up to 8 hours.
  • Follow package instructions when cleaning for contact time and dilution.
Do schools need to provide antibacterial soap?
No. There is no need to use special antibacterial soap; regular soap is effective. Antibacterial products have not been proven to prevent the spread of infection better than regular soap.

Should students with influenza-like illness (ILI) be excluded from school?
  • Yes, students and staff with ILI should stay home from school and school-based activities.
    • ILI is defined as a fever (at least 100°F) and a cough or sore throat.
  • Students and staff who become ill during the day should be immediately isolated from others and sent home.
  • Students and staff can return to school 24 hours after their fever is gone without fever-reducing medication, (e.g., Tylenol or Advil). They should also be well enough to participate in school before returning.
Should schools close due to flu?
  • We do not recommend closing schools to prevent flu transmission. However, schools may choose to close or dismiss students if a large number of absences prevent normal school functioning.

Stay healthy!
Cheri Bladholm, RN, Licensed School Nurse
Southwest High School
3414 West 47th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410-1798
612-668-3037 (office)

612-668-3080 (fax)

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