Cold and Flu Season Tips

The cold weather season is upon us and Weatherford ISD is taking steps to help keep your child healthy this winter. As illnesses such as colds and flu spread, your assistance is vital in keeping the students and staff healthy. The cold weather season is upon us and Weatherford ISD is taking steps to help keep your child healthy this winter. As illnesses such as colds and flu spread, your assistance is vital in keeping the students and staff healthy.

Weatherford ISD Campuses
Our custodial staff has been regularly deep cleaning our campuses as a preventive measure since before the Winter Break.

Flu
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.
• One important measure to protect against the seasonal flu virus it to get a flu vaccine. There are several pharmacies in our community who offer this vaccine, along with doctors’ offices and the Parker County Hospital District.

Illnesses like colds and flu are spread from person to person via respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread by coughing, sneezing or by touching objects or people with contaminated hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces such as desks and doorknobs. Our WISD custodial staff has been regularly deep cleaning our campuses as a preventive measure since before the Winter Break.

When to Keep Your Child Home if they are Sick
Please keep your child home if they are sick for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Please remind your children of the following health habits.

1. Cover their mouth and nose when sneezing. If they can, they should use a tissue and then throw it away, washing their hands afterwards. If they don’t have a tissue handy, they should use their inner elbow or upper sleeve rather than their hands. This practice prevents the spread of germs via their hands.

2. Keep their hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth.

3. Clean their hands often. Remind them to wash with soap and warm water.

4. Remind them to not share cups, water bottles, or eating utensils.

Thank you for helping us create a healthy environment for our students and staff. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.

Attached Files

flu-guide-for-parents-2017.pdf

Published January 9, 2018 Print