Preschool Students MUST RECEIVE THE FLU VACCINE between AUGUST 1st - DECEMBER 31st.
Influenza: 1 dose administered each year between August 1 - December 31. Two (2) doses separated by at least 28 days are required for those children receiving flu vaccine for the first time. State of CT, DPH 2013
State regulation requires preschool students to be vaccinated against the flu by January 1. Parents are asked to provide written documentation of their child’s flu immunization to the school nurse.
Parents are urged to contact their healthcare provider to schedule an appointment. Children receiving the vaccine for the first time need two doses at least 28 days apart to be fully immunized. This written documentation must be provided to the school nurse.
State of CT DPH: http://www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp
"Preparing for the Flu - Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12)": http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/schoolflutoolkit.pdf
CDC Cover Your Cough
Because flu outbreaks are a major concern to schools nationwide, NASN flu information, Don't Get Sidelined By The Flu:
Controlling Influenza Among Children
When Sickness Strikes: Know When to Keep a Child Home from School
The Flu: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Healthy
Tips From Your School Nurse For Protecting Yourself From the Flu Virus
Tips From Your School Nurse: Help Keep Your Child Healthy and Flu Free
Flu Season Advisory: Special Advice for Parents of Children with Chronic Diseases
Cold or Flu?
Colds and flu are both highly contagious and, in the initial stages, a bad cold and a mild case of the flu might seem alike. However, flu is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications, unlike colds. Note this table from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for a comparison of symptoms for each illness. See your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
Fever | Rare | Usual, high
(100°F to 102°F); occasionally higher, especially in young children; lasts 3-4 days |
Headache | Rare | Common |
General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 2-3 weeks |
Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate;
hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
Treatment | Antihistamines; Decongestant; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines | Antiviral medicines-see your healthcare provider |
Prevention | Wash your hands often with soap and water; Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines - see your healthcare provider |
Complications | Sinus infection; Middle ear infection; Asthma | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can worsen chronic conditions; can be life-threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women |
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, July 2009. |
"Henry the Hand" teaches young children about hand washing: http://www.henrythehand.com
For this and more information about influenza visit the CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A Tel: (404) 639-3311 - Flu Public Inquiries: (800) 232-2522/ Español: (800) 232-0233/ TTY: (800) 243-7889
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://flu.gov/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm335635.htm
This information is provided as a service of the Southington School Health Services. It is NOT meant to take the place of your doctor’s recommendations.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this material. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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