Attention K-1 PCSST Parents,
As I’m sure you’re all aware, this flu season has been particularly deadly and dangerous this past year. This flu season has been termed as a flu pandemic and has been the worst since swine flu in 2009. There have been 3,189 confirmed cases of the flu just in New Jersey alone. Statistics have shown a total of 63 flu associated pediatric deaths from this season. A flu outbreak in Branchburg Township led to the closing of all three schools in the town. It’s hitting states all across the country and we are still in the middle of flu season.
The best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to keep your child at home if they are sick. Keep them at home if they have these signs and symptoms:
- Temperature of 100 degrees or greater
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches
- Chills
- Feeling tired
- Vomiting
Keeping your child at home prevents the spread of the flu virus and other possible illnesses. It protects your child, other students, and the staff members at PCSST. At the same time, keeping your child at home will help them recover quicker from the flu by getting appropriate rest and keeping them away from germs and other sick students.
If your child has a fever, do NOT give them Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Motrin (Ibuprofen) and send them to school. They must remain at home if they have a fever. In order for your child to return to school, they must be fever FREE (temperature must be below 100 degrees) for 24 hours WITHOUT medication before returning to school.
If your child has been diagnosed with the flu by a doctor, they may NOT return to school unless they are cleared by a doctor.
Please check these additional resources from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will help you better understand the flu, prevent the spread of the flu, and take better care of your child. As usual, we want to help you keep your child healthy and safe. Please call the health office for any questions or concerns!
Mrs. Bewighouse, RN
School Nurse