The Flu: Information for Parents

Many of you have been following media reports about cases of the H1N1 virus which have been occurring nation-wide since last spring. We understand concerns that some parents have expressed regarding this and Wesleyan Health Services will be monitoring the situation closely in the months ahead. We receive frequent updates from the CDC and the East Metro Health District. It is anticipated that there will be a vaccine available sometime mid-October. We would recommend that you seek advice from your physician as to when it becomes available in their office. Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also had vomiting and diarrhea.

We are asking for your help this school year by making sure that your child is coming to school healthy everyday. A fever may not always be present with the flu. If they have a fever, please keep them home until they have been fever-free (less than 100 degrees) for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication (Tylenol, Advil or Motrin).

When your child returns to school after being home sick, they will need to be screened in the Infirmary before they go to class. We will also screen all students who check in late to school. We hope that you would be in partnershipwith us to prevent the spread of germs as much as possible.

We are encouraging good hand hygiene while your children are here at school.  Washing hands with soap and water is still the best way to prevent germs from spreading. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) is also effective. There will be pump bottles of Purell Hand Sanitizers in every classroom. 

CDC information sheet on H1N1 Flu injection

Flu Update - 8/28/2009

2009-2010 Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A guide for parents

Action Steps to take if your child is sent home sick.

Action Steps for Parents to Protect Your Child and
Family from the Flu this School Year