Influenza - What you Need to Know

We are seeing increased absences in Edmonds School District schools in early and mid March due to illness.  We are still in “flu” season and there has been verification from some students that they have influenza A.  Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory illness and is the most likely influenza virus strain to cause an outbreak. It's quite different from the common cold, which is less severe.

Influenza A symptoms

If you have influenza, you will have some or all of these symptoms:

• fever and chills

• headache and muscle aches

• feeling tired and weak

• sneezing and stuffy or runny nose

• sore throat and cough

Some people may also have abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Influenza A treatment

If you have influenza, you are likely to get better within 4 days to a full week, treatment includes:

• resting in bed

• drinking plenty of liquids

• eating light foods when hungry

• seeking medical attention for pain symptoms

In some people, the flu can be severe and lead to serious complications like pneumonia. This is most likely to affect people who are very young, elderly, pregnant, or with chronic health problems.

Preventing influenza A

It is not too late to get a vaccination against influenza.

Influenza spreads very easily from one person to another by respiratory droplets. If you have influenza symptoms, you should stay at home while you're sick, cover your face when you sneeze or cough, and regularly wash your hands.

The custodial staff is regularly wiping surfaces that are touched often, and it is best to wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Should I keep my student home from school?

 

We are encouraging families to keep a student home when signs of the “flu” are present. If students have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, they need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

 

If students show signs of illness at school, the parents/guardians will be called with the expectation of students being picked up and taken home.

 

More information:  WHEN STUDENTS ARE TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL

 

Thank you for your support keeping students and staff safe & healthy.