Flu season has arrived

Dear Parent or Guardian:

This post is to inform you that flu season is at hand.  Absences are increased during this time of year and consequently, this post is intended to inform you of precautions that can be taken to avoid the spread of the flu.

Influenza (flu) is a respiratory infection caused by several species of the influenza virus.  Some persons with influenza may have mild symptoms similar to the common cold, while others have symptoms severe enough to warrant hospitalization. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cough, body aches, weakness, and congestion in the nose, throat, and lungs roughly 1-4 days after exposure.  Children may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most persons with influenza require bed rest but usually recover within 5 days.

Influenza spreads easily when respiratory droplets containing the flu virus are expelled when talking, laughing, coughing, or sneezing in close proximity to others. The virus can also be spread when someone touches an object that has the flu virus on it and then touches eyes, nose, or mouth. Communicability of influenza is greatest in the first 3-5 days after exposure but may continue longer in children and those with compromised immune systems. Persons infected with influenza may spread the illness before they are aware that they are infected.