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Preventing the Spread of Flu
February 12, 2019
Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
In light of a flu outbreak at a nearby school district, Jackson Public Schools wants to be proactive in preventing its spread in our schools and among our students and staff. The flu is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract that can cause very serious illness. It can lead to hospitalization and may even be life threatening for some children and adults. With that in mind, we urge JPS families to take precautions against the flu and to be mindful of not spreading it to others. While we understand that school attendance is important this time of year, we encourage parents to keep children at home if they have flu symptoms until they are no longer contagious.
Symptoms
How can I tell if my child has the flu? Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. The flu comes on abruptly, not gradually like a cold. If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment.
Prevention
You can take everyday steps to keep from getting the flu or spreading it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:
- Get a yearly flu vaccine.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- While you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
- Stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
For vaccination or treatment, if you already have the flu, you may contact a Hinds County Health Department Clinic or your physician.
Do Your Part to Stop the Spread of the Flu (Video)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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More information from the Centers for Disease Control: