Public Health Division January 18, 2019 Dear Parents: The Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Division is investigating flu illness at Colfax Elementary. The individuals are receiving medical care and are doing well, Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory iJIness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. A person also can get flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, feeling tired and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults). Some people with the flu will not have a fever. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to treat flu illness, They can shorten your illness and make it milder, and they can prevent serious complications that could result in a hospital stay. Antivirals work best when started during the first 2 days of illness. Antiviral drugs are recommended to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example, people who are in the hospital) or people who are at high risk of serious flu complications who get flu symptoms. Antivirals can be given to children and pregnant women, Here is what you should do: ‘Read the accompanying fact sheet to leam more about Influenza © Vaccinate yourself and your child against the flu * If your child develops flu-like symptoms keep your child from school and other activities and contact their healthcare provider If you have questions about the content of this letter, please call the Communicable Disease Program at 336-641-6500 or the Guilford County School Health Office 336-641-3896, ‘Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, “2 X eae Maricelina‘ Caro, MD Medical Director; Merle Green, Health Director Guilford County Department of Public Health 1100 &. Wendover Avanue, Greensboro, NC 27405,Influenza (Flu) tis influenza (the flu)? ‘The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It ean cause mild to severe illness, and at times ean lead to death. Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. However, older people, young childsen, pregoant ‘women and people with certain health conditions aze at higher tsk for stious complications from the fi ‘What are the symptoms? ‘The flu usually starts suddenly and may include: fever (often high), shaking, chills), body aches and muscle pain, dry cough, headache, titedness (can be extreme), sore throat, runny or stufly nose and loss of appetite. How is the flu different from a common cold? The flu and the common cold are caused by different viruses. Their symptoms ate similse and it may be dificult to determine ‘which virus a person has. In general, flu symptoms are more intense. A person with a cold is less likely to have a fever and more likely to have 2 runny or stuffy nose and a hacking cough What are the risks of having the fu? ‘The flu may lead to other health problems such as bacterial pneumonia os dehydration. It may also make chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heat failure, asthma or diabetes worse. How is the flu spread? ‘The fu virus is spread through the air (coughing and sneezing) of person to person (éheking handk). It is possible to give someone else the flu before you know you are sick and while you ate sick ‘When can I return to work or school? If you are sick with flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical caze of for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) How can you reduce your chances of getting the flu? © Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away. © Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow. © Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing: Ifno sink is available, rub your hands with alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. © Ifyou get the fl, stay home fom work or school. © Geta la shot every year. How is the flu treated? If you get the By, try to rest, drink a lot of liquids and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking. You may take over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever. Aspirin use may increase the risk of Reye's Syndrome. Your health care provider may preseribe anti-viral medications if your visit is within the fist 48 hours after experiencing yous fist symptoms. People at high tisk for complications from the flu should consult their health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms. ‘Those at high tsk include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and young childten. For more information, contact the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Division at 336-641-7777 or visit our website at snvw.guilfordcountyne.gov ot the Centers for Disease Conttol and Prevention at wnnw.cdegov PECAPD OHI Re 1/18