2012-2013 Influenza Information
GCISD is working with the Tarrant County Public Health Department in managing the 2012-2013 flu season. Students, staff and parents with flu-like symptoms should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
If your child is home from school with the flu or flu-like symptoms, please notify the attendance office that your is home with flu or flu-like illness. This will assist the District and the Tarrant County Public Health Department in monitoring the spread of the flu. GCISD is participating in the Tarrant County Public Health Department flu surveillance program
Students with flu-like symptoms at school:
In accordance with the guidelines from the CDC, those with symptoms of flu-like illness will be:
- Sent home and advised to stay home until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Asked to wear a surgical mask( if they can tolerate it ) and may be moved to another room to prevent the spread of the illness while at school.
Influenza (Flu) Facts
What is the Flu?
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs, nose and throat. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes, can lead to death. Each year in the United States:
· 5-20 percent of Americans fall ill to the flu
· Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and
they frequently spread the virus to others
Young children are at the greatest risk for developing serious flu complications, as well as the elderly and those with certain health conditions.
How Does Flu Spread?
There are two ways to get the flu. Usually flu is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Occasionally, people can get the flu from touching a germ-infested surface.
What are common symptoms of flu?
Often we get confused about the symptoms of the flu and how they are different from a common cold. Knowing the symptoms of the flu is important and will help you act quickly to get your child feeling better faster.
- Common symptoms of flu include: high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion and dry cough.
- Children often have additional flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Symptoms of a common cold include: stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and hacking cough.
Steps for keeping your child healthy:
· According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine.
· You should talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
o Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
o Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and
disposing of the tissue in a proper trash receptacle.
o Avoiding sharing drinks, water bottles or silverware with others.
· You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys and other commonly shared items.
