The 2018-19 flu season has begun in Florida
The 2018-19 influenza (flu) season has begun in Florida. Although influenza activity levels are low, they are expected to increase, which
is typical for this time of the year. It is important to note that influenza spreads more quickly among children than in all other age groups due to their close contact with one another and hygiene habits. The best way to protect students, staff and families (children, parents, grandparents) against seasonal influenza is annual flu vaccination.
Epidemiology Warnings
In Florida during the 2017-20 18 influenza season, the number of influenza and influenza-like illness outbreaks reported in facilities
serving children was almost 10 times the average of the previous five flu seasons. Additionally, eight children were reported to have died
from influenza (all unvaccinated). Influenza vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.
How to spot influenza
Symptom s of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, individuals with flu can have a runny nose, body aches,
headache or tiredness. People infected with influenza are most likely to pass the flu to others within the first three days after symptoms begin.
It is important to review your school illness policies to ensure parents keep children sick with influenza symptoms home.
Everyday Prevention
Staff and students should stay home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Vaccines
The influenza vaccine is safe and continues to be the best way to protect students, teachers, staff and their families from influenza
infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practice s continues to recommend influenza vaccine to everyone aged six months and older.
With information issued by the Florida Department of Health.
More info:
Flu shot locations:
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school
Download:
Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday-preventive-actions-8.5×11.pdf
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