Update from the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department - updated 10-22-09

Is it the flu or just a cold? Click here for a chart that will help you decide.

Parents,

As you may know, flu can be easily spread from person to person. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent the spread of germs:

• Teach 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.
• Teach 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 hands when wipes are unavailable.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius, or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
• Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected.
• Do not send children to school if they are sick! Any children who are determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.

We will notify parents of any changes to our school’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Gaubatz
Principal

Links for more information:
          www.flu.gov
          www.cdc.gov
          1-800-CDC-INFO
          WebMD – flu or cold?
          Action Steps for Parents to Protect Your Child and Family from the Flu this School Year
          2009 Vaccine questions and answers
          CDC Says “Take 3″ Steps To Fight The Flu