As you may know, the average number of people who receive the flu during the fall and winter is pretty common. The flu season occurs every year, and it spreads from person to person. It can be pretty dangerous for young children, elders, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Understanding the symptoms and knowing how to prevent the flu can help reduce its spread and protect overall health.

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that spreads mainly through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through physical contact and by touching surfaces contaminated with the flu, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Common Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough(s)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

*Note: Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.

Symptoms mainly last several days to a week to recover, but fatigue can linger longer.

The Impact of Attendance and Student Health

As flu season continues, school staff are seeing its effects not only on student health but also on daily attendance. 

According to the attendance monitor, Ms. Uribe, absences increase during the winter and spring seasons. She states that staying home while sick will help protect the school community from getting the flu. She suggests that students stay home when they have a fever, are vomiting, and/or have diarrhea (two or more episodes). If the student is ill for more than three days, they are required to bring a doctor’s note when they come back to school.  

The school nurse, Ms. Jow, shared the following helpful information: “Vaccines help; they help lessen your reaction to the flu. And of course you want to wash your hands, avoid people that are sick, and cover your nose and mouth when you cough.”

She states that if you’re coughing and having trouble breathing, you must report to the ER.

Emergency Warning Signs of Flu

People with any experience of these warning signs should obtain and must seek medical care right away:

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
• Seizures
• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Persistent dizziness, confusion
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness

How to Prevent the Flu

Staying away or being cautious can help prevent getting the flu. Here are some suggestions and tips to stay safe.

• Distance from the sick. (Avoid close contact with individuals who have any symptoms of the flu)
• Have good hygiene (Wash your hands with soap and water for 20+ seconds.)
•  Avoid face touching (Do not touch your mouth, eyes, or nose as germs may spread this way.)
• Stay home when sick (Stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.)