January 15, 2019

Parents and Guardians,

Please help us minimize the spread of illness.  This is the time of year that we typically see a peak in Influenza and want to do our best to protect our schools. For full details, please use this Influenza resource from the Minnesota Department of Health. 

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. 

Flu Symptoms

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever (100.0 or greater)
• headache
• fatigue
• cough
• sore throat
• body aches
• runny or stuffy nose
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

The best prevention

• Get the Flu Shot
• Good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, and staying home when sick
• Routinely clean and disinfect commonly used areas and frequently touched surfaces. Flu can remain on surfaces for up to 8 hours.
• Follow package instructions when cleaning for contact time and dilution.

Return to school 24 hours after their fever is gone without fever-reducing medication, (e.g., Tylenol or Advil). They should also be well enough to participate in school before returning.

Sartell-St. Stephen ISD 748 adheres to recommendations made by the Minnesota Department of Health regarding excluding children from school for contagious/communicable illnesses. We ask for your cooperation in this so that we may promote a healthy safe environment for all students. Click to view our Am I Well Enough to go to School? guidelines.