Influenza A Has Arrived~What Can You Do To Help?

We have had several positive cases of Influenza A confirmed within the past week. With this shared;

"What can you as parents do to help prevent the spread of this virus?

1. If your child has the slightest fever 99 or above, do NOT send to school that day. Rather, keep them home and monitor for increase in temperature and if it spikes take them to doctor for Tamiflu. Tamiflu only helps if it is started within the first 72 hours of influenza symptoms.

2. Preach and live by example, proper hand washing. Warm water, soap, scrub hands for 20 seconds, then rinse. (I always tell the children to sing Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in their heads while they wash)

3. Remind them; All viruses enter 3 areas of the face. Eyes, nose and mouth. It is important to keep your hands away from your face.

4. Saline nasal mist~Can be used nightly after they return home from school. It is known to kill viruses that may have entered the nasal passages while at school/public settings.

5. As nice as it is to shake hands with fellow church members, during this time of year I suggest you refrain. A simple; Hello, how are you today?" will suffice during this time of year.

6. Eat healthy, increase vitamins intake. Add vitamin C to your daily diet either via a oral supplement or orange juice.

7. Get plenty of rest, preferably 7-8 hours a night is recommended for children.

8. Lastly, remind your children not to share clothing items/food.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. If we all do our part we CAN keep this influenza under control. But do note, should your children present with a temperature of 99 or higher during this flu season, I WILL be calling for parents to pick them up. This is my attempt to keep things under control for the sake of ALL our students here at Black River Local School District.

Have a safe day and a healthy week,

Nurse Donna