Our ARPS (ARHS) Nurse shares this important information about influenza:
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by
influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can
cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu
vaccine each year. This information is from the CDC (Center for Disease
Control).
PLEASE READ: If your child develops symptoms of the flu, PLEASE keep them home from school. They must be fever free without the use of medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen or generic equivalent) for 24 hours before their return to school. If they have had diarrhea or vomiting, they must be free of this for 24 hours before they return to school. Remind your children to cover their cough and wash their hands. Contact your child’s health care provider with any questions or concerns.
Signs and Symptoms of Flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these
signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:
Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (very tired)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is
more common in young children than in adults.
How Flu Spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny
droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can
land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person
might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and
then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Period of Contagiousness
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. Although people with the
flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, some
otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before
symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people,
especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be
able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.
Onset of Symptoms
The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus and
infected to when symptoms begin is about 1 to 4 days, with an average of about
2 days.
Complications of Flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear
infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such
as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
