School District Working to Prevent Spread of Flu

This year's flu season has struck early and hard, especially in Washington County, and Peters Township School District sent out a notice to parents about how they can help reduce the spread of the flu.

"We need your help to do this," wrote Dr. Patricia Kardambikis, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Kardambikis asks parents that if they suspect their child is getting the flu, he or she should not attend school. A sick child should not return to school for at least 24 hours after her or she no longer has a fever or does not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs.

It is also important to teach your children, wrote Kardambikis, how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect them from infection.

• Remind your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Remind your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or un­washed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues. Covering up their coughs or sneezes using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu, which include fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired.  

Here are links provided by the school district:

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided a Guide for Parents that details the best ways to protect your child from the flu, as well as vaccination guidelines.      
• Influenza Fact Sheet, created by the PTSD Health Services Team      
• Everyday Prevention Actions, from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Has the flu hit your family? How long did it last? Tell us in the comments below.