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September 1, 2010

Public Health officials are expecting that influenza (flu), including the pandemic H1N1 kind, to spread in Massachusetts this fall and winter.  Flu can be prevented with a vaccine (shot or nasal spray). 

We will follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines for preventing the rapid spread of the flu and providing as safe an environment as possible for students and staff.  All of the schools will continue to advise children and staff to wash their hands frequently and to follow proper cough etiquette.  Hand sanitizers have been ordered in quantity for the schools.

Any student or staff member who exhibits flu-like symptoms (a fever and cough, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea) will be sent home by the school nurse and will have to stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever.  Nurses will also recommend that students contact their doctors for further instructions.

You can help avoiding getting ill in three ways: 

• Practice good hand hygiene at home.  All family members should wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after sneezing or coughing.
• Family members should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.  If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Keep your children home if they are sick.  Sending them to school increases the risks of virus for everyone at the school.

Superintendent of Schools