Though flu season is hard to predict, the department says increased flu activity is likely to last several more weeks, and many more cases of influenza are expected. In partnership with state health experts, we would like to encourage our community to do what it can to minimize the spread of germs.
We appreciate our custodial staff members as they are working extra hard to clean and disinfect surfaces that are most vulnerable to germs. They scrub and sanitize classrooms across our 22 school buildings. Still we all must take precautions to try to keep our community healthy.
Staff and students who are sick are advised to stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Good hygiene is important as well. Hands should be washed often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Everyone should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the elbow or shoulder, not into the hands. When possible, it’s also a good idea to avoid close contact with sick people, and refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread this way.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who have the flu often feel some or all of the following signs and symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Some people may vomit and have diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.
CDC officials also said it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Anyone who might have the flu should consult a physician.