New York State Public Health Law Section 613 requires schools to inform families about influenza disease and the benefits of influenza immunizations. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The symptoms of flu might include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, or fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can last 7 – 10 days and can result in lost school and work. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

The Centers for Disease Control and New York State Department of Health recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses for everyone 6 months of age and older as soon as the new seasonal flu vaccine is available each year.  People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Vaccination of high- risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to high-risk people. People who care for children younger than six months of age should be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, remember to educate your children to take everyday preventive measures listed below to stop the spread of flu:

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone off fever reducing medicines except to get medical care or for other necessities.