Dear Parents,
It will soon be fall and this is a great opportunity to remind you that cold and flu season is upon us. It is vital that we work together to keep everyone in District 13 healthy. The nurses have noticed an increase in the number of students displaying fevers, coughs, and other cold-like symptoms. There have also been absences due to a diagnosis of Influenza. District 13 tracks all influenza activity along with other illnesses and reports data to the DuPage County Health Department on a daily basis to determine if additional measures are warranted. At this time, no additional measures are needed. Prevention continues to be the most effective means in reducing the spread of influenza and other illnesses.
Students who report to the Health Office with a fever and/or a report of feeling poorly are sent home. To minimize the spread of illnesses in school, it is recommended that your child stay home from school and other extracurricular activities if flu or cold symptoms are present. The following guidelines may help you decide to keep your child home or send them to school:
CONSIDER KEEPING YOUR CHILD AT HOME FOR REST AND OBSERVATION IF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS ARE PRESENT:
Very stuffy or runny nose
Cough
Mild sore throat (free of fever/not exposed to Strep of Covid)
Headache
Mild stomach ache
KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Fever 100 degrees or greater.
Vomiting (even once)
Diarrhea
Chills
General malaise or feelings of fatigue
Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough
Large amount of nasal congestion with frequent nose blowing
TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF FLU AND OTHER ILLNESSES
Wash hands frequently
Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, wash hands afterward
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Viral infections are the most contagious during the first 48 hours, usually before symptoms fully manifest. Anyone who has a fever is to remain home until they are fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Anyone who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea is to remain home until they are clear of vomiting and/or diarrhea for a full 24 hours. Anyone who has a persistent sore throat or a cough may return to school after being seen by a physician for evaluation and has begun any necessary treatment. A child who has started antibiotics needs to be on medication for at least 24 hours before he/she is considered non-contagious and able to return to school. Keeping your ill child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom and allow your child to fully recover.
Thank you for doing your part in helping make this season as healthy as possible.
Health Services
Bloomingdale School District #13
