Hello CC Families,

We are in the midst of the respiratory cold and flu season. Recently, we have seen an uptick in students with flu-like symptoms (fever >100.4, stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, chills, cough, increased fatigue, nausea, and vomiting).

Please keep students home when they are sick and do not allow them to return to school unless they are free from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications. More information for disease specific recommendations can be found on the CC website here. We are taking measures to increase deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces within the school.

Please remind your student to continue good respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes using a tissue or inner elbow. Masking around others when they are sick is also helpful in preventing the spread of respiratory illness. Encourage them to utilize the hand sanitizing stations located throughout the building. Hand sanitizer will not eliminate all types of viruses or bacteria but works great when soap and water are not easily accessible Hand Sanitizer Facts .  

Preferably, wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, blowing noses, and before eating. Please see these CDC Handwashing guidelines. Avoid touching your face, eyes, ears, and mouth with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of germs entering your body and making you sick. Other respiratory prevention measures can be found here.

The nursing office does have rapid point of care testing available during school hours for covid-19/Influenza A & B, and Strep A throat tests if a student or staff member is showing symptoms of these illnesses. If the nurse feels a student would benefit from testing, a parent would be notified and a parent consent form would need to be completed via email. 

It is not too late to get a flu vaccine! Flu vaccines are available at your local pharmacy, physician’s office, or local health department. Stay safe and healthy this holiday season!
 

                                                                                                          -Nurse Helm