MA Department of Public Health Influenza Update 2010

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South Hadley Public Schools
Town Hall, 116 Main Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
Phone: 413-538-5060
Fax: 413-532-6284

Influenza - Back to School Update

September 1, 2010

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued an update concerning influenza:

Influenza, including the pandemic H1N1 kind, is expected to circulate in Massachusetts this fall and winter. Much of what we need to do, to prepare for and respond to the flu, has not changed since last year. However, there are some important differences this year:

Flu vaccination (the shot or nasal spray) is now recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older.
This year's vaccine (shot or nasal spray) contains protection against both the pandemic H1N1 influenza and two other kinds of influenza.

Like last year, children or adults who have flu-like illness (fever with either cough or sore throat) should be kept home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever reducing medicines like Motrin, Advil, Tylenol or a store brand. For most, this will be about 4 days.

For more information about flu, visit the www.mass.gov/flu web site.