Dear Cranbury School Families,
As we enter another flu season, I wanted to share some useful information about how you can help keep your family and our school healthy. Please read the below guidance for steps your family can take to practice effective prevention and resources if they become ill.
Influenza is a respiratory illness with sudden symptoms that can include high fever, body aches, headache and cough. While there is no cause for alarm, the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health are reporting widespread flu in the state.
Your family should do the following…
- Get a flu shot, it is not too late.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid those who are ill, if possible.
- Cough into a sleeve or a tissue, not directly into the hands, and wash hands immediately.
- Avoid touching your face when you are ill and when healthy; this spreads germs!
- Avoid sharing food, utensils, cups, and water bottles.
For students and family who have chronic medical problems (ex. asthma, diabetes, obesity), it is important to visit your pediatrician/physician within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms.
As a reminder:
If your child has the flu or symptoms of the flu, your child should stay home to rest and to avoid spreading flu to other children and staff. Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine: Tylenol/Acetaminophen or Motrin/Ibuprofen) A fever is defined as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher. If medication is prescribed, your child must be kept home for at least 24 hours after the first dose has been taken as well.
Please find attached the CDC Family Flu Guide for more information: www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
Stay well!
In Health,
Barbara O’Connell, RN, CSN-NJ
Cranbury School Nurse