This fall, approximately 3,190 flu vaccines were given to WISD students and staff thru our annual “Shoo the Flu” clinics held at each campus in partnership with the Parker County Hospital District.
In addition, our custodial staff is going above and beyond to help protect our students and staff members from the cold and flu by cleaning and disinfecting all bathrooms and water fountains three times a day. They also wipe down all desks, chairs, and doorknobs on a daily basis.
Flu vaccines are still available from many local pharmacies and from the Parker County Hospital District, located at 1130 Pecan Drive.
When Should You Keep Your Child Home From School?
In general, you should keep your child home from school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
• Vomiting twice or more over a 24-hour period or being unable to tolerate normal food and drink, or both.
• A temperature threshold of 100.4 or higher.
• Severe coughing or difficulty breathing.
• Repeated bouts of severe diarrhea for at least a day.
• Persistent abdominal pain (more than 2 hours).
• Open sores on the mouth.
• A skin rash or red eye from an undetermined cause.
• Other contagious conditions such as strep throat, chicken pox, impetigo, etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Flu: A Guide for Parents
• The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. There are many different influenza viruses that are constantly changing.
• Common symptoms include fever (100° or higher) cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can be especially dangerous for those who have long term health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
• Flu is spread by droplet from an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Flu may be contracted by touching something with the virus on it and then touching one’s eyes, mouth or nose.
• To protect yourself and your family, the first and most important thing you can do is to get a flu shot. It is not too late!
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you or your child is sick, stay home and seek medical care. There are medications to treat the flu. These medicines lessen the symptoms and make you feel better faster. Your student may return to school when the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.