CCHS Flu Update

From a broadcast email to parents of Concord Carlisle High School students from principal Peter Badalament.

Dear Parents,

This is to inform you as of Wednesday morning, there are 5 confirmed cases of influenza (4 from last week and 1 from this week) in students at CCHS. These students will remain home for 7 days or until they are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Several of these students are already healthy and have already returned to school following these guidelines.

I want to dispel any rumors that there are large numbers of students out of school. As of today, there has been virtually no change in our absences due to illness rate. I get the feeling that there is some wishful thinking among students that exams could get canceled due to the flu -- no such luck.

We continue to monitor the illness/absence situation and again reinforce the  recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that if your child is sick with a fever of 100 degrees or more and a cough or sore throat they need to stay home to prevent the spread to other students and adults in the school. Other symptoms of the flu are headache, body aches, chills, vomiting or diarrhea. It is also important to avoid activities outside of school to minimize spreading the illness.

Most recent flu cases in Massachusetts have been mild but there are certain groups that are more susceptible to severe illness such as those with chronic health problems, children under 2 years, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system.

Please remember the following steps to keep healthy and please reinforce them with your children:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 52%)
• Cover your cough by sneezing into your elbow, or use a tissue
• and discard it afterwards
• If you or your child is sick, stay home from work or school and if the symptoms are flu-like, remain home for 7 days after onset of symptoms even if you are feeling better or 24 hours after your symptoms go away - whichever is longer.
• Stay informed about the latest developments on the flu

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used for fever control but in order to be well enough to return, the temperature must be normal for 24 hours without needing these medicines.

For more information on flu prevention please visit the following
website: http://www.concordma.gov/Pages/ConcordMA_HealthNews/0149756F-000F8513