Remember, the flu is generally defined as an illness involving a fever of 100 degrees or higher, chills, body aches, headache, cough, sore throat and fatigue. Some people, especially children, may also experience stomach symptoms. New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now states that a student with the flu will need to stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.). If other symptoms persist after the child is fever-free for over 24 hours, we would ask that you consult with your family doctor before the child returns to school. In most cases the illness persists for approximately five to seven days. This would mean that the child would be kept home from school anywhere from three to five days.

Our schools will be taking steps to reduce the spread of infections like the flu.  Frequent hand washing will be encouraged, and surfaces that are frequently touched or handled will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. We ask that you support our efforts by utilizing the following top ten tips for preventing the spread of the flu:

1.     Keep your child home from school or day care when he or she is sick.

2.     Allow your child to return to school only when fever-free for at least 24 hours (no longer having a fever without use of fever-reducing medicines).

3.     Cover your cough. Cough into your upper sleeve or into a tissue and discard properly.

4.     Properly dispose of used tissues and other soiled items, and wash your hands after doing so.

5.     Wash hands frequently and regularly, or use hand sanitizers when water is not readily available.

6.     Regularly clean and disinfect areas and items likely to have frequent hand contact.

7.     Contact your health care provider when your child or other family member is sick with the flu (symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and body aches).

8.     If you are not able to stay home with your child, plan ahead for how he or she will be taken care of when sick at home or if school is closed.

9.     Have your child vaccinated against the seasonal flu every year. Information on the H1N1 flu and how you can protect your family is available at http://www.h1n1inPA.com, http://www.health.state.pa.us, http://www.cdc.gov or http://www.flu.gov

10.  For questions, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

New information is being released rapidly.  Please utilize the resources above and check our website for updates.  Your child’s health and education are very important to us here at River Rock Academy.

Sincerely,
River Rock Academy Administration