- Willow Creek Elementary
- Willow Creek Elementary Homepage
Health officials encourage proactive steps to combat the flu
As we move into the height of flu season and this year's flu strain is hitting hard in Texas. Returning to school after the break increases the chance of exposure and spread among friends and colleagues, and district health officials are taking proactive measures to help #stopthespread of the flu in our schools and community.
"The flu is very strong this year and is easily spread through the air when people who are sick cough, sneeze or even talk," said Cheryl Phalen, Registered Nurse and School Health Coordinator for EMS ISD. "It can make you feel terrible and can become quite serious in some cases. Students, staff, and visitors who have any flu-like symptoms should stay home until they are well. If they come to school, they will be sent home for treatment and recovery. We want to do everything we can to minimize the spread of the flu this season and help our families get well and stay well."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age and health of the person. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.
District and school leaders are taking necessary steps on campus to prevent the spread of the flu virus in our schools. To reduce exposure, our staff members continue encouraging proper hand washing and educating students about good health practices. Anyone with flu-like symptoms is being sent home for rest and recovery. At home, families can help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses with the following health tips:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also are effective if hand washing is not possible.
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder.
- If you or your child is sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides without the aid of fever-reducing medication (ie Tylenol, Motrin, Ibuprofin, etc.)
- Flu vaccine is recommended as a preventative measure and it is not too late to get vaccinated. The vaccine is readily available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and the Health Department.
- Contact your doctor if signs of flu-like illness occur, the earlier the better. There are some anti-viral prescription medications such as Tamiflu that may lesson the severity of flu symptoms and your doctor can advise appropriate choices for your family.
It is important that we work together to reduce any potential spread of the flu, and we will partner with you in any way we can to protect your children. Through our combined efforts, we can continue to provide a safe and healthy school environment for all children and employees.
Additional Resources:
Information for Schools | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDCOpens a New Window.