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”

Influenza (Flu) in Schools http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/school/index.html

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 47^th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55410-1798

612-668-3037 (office)

612-668-3080 (fax)