Cold and Flu Season Information

Dear Parents/Guardians

Cold and flu season is upon us. According to the Center for Disease Control, we are in the peak of the flu season and still have about 8 weeks to go! In the Catskill School District, the school nurses have not yet seen a large number of students or staff being sent home for flu symptoms, which include high fevers, achiness, dry cough and extreme tiredness. Our attendance absentee rates remain steady.

To keep our children well & to prevent the spread of disease, we encourage you to keep your child home if he or she is ill, as per the guidelines below. We have listed a few of our school exclusion guidelines as well as some preventative tips. Let’s work together to keep our school community and our homes as healthy as possible.

1. Fever– 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the student should remain at home until 24 hours fever free without fever reducing medications such as ibuprofen or tylenol. Students sent to school who have a fever will be sent home.
2. Diarrhea– Students should not be sent to school who have more than one episode of diarrhea or one episode with additional symptoms. Should this occur in school your child will be sent home. The student can return to school after 24 hours symptom free.
3. Vomiting– Students who have vomited at home should not be sent to school. During the school day, if your child vomits more than once or has additional symptoms he or she will be sent home. May return to school after 24 hours symptom free and able to eat a meal without further vomiting.
4. Runny Nose– Students who cannot control their secretions, are blowing their noses frequently or have green/ yellowish-brown secretions need to remain home until symptoms improve.
5. Coughing– Students with excessive coughing contributing to the inability of the student to participate in class work or that is disruptive to other students will be sent home.
6. If symptoms worsen or persist, see your healthcare provider to be evaluated.

Helpful Tips for Staying Healthy:

1. Frequent hand washing is the BEST way to prevent and combat the spread of germs. Wash hands often with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
3. If your child has any signs and symptoms of illness, please keep them home.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or use an elbow or arm if no tissue is available.
5. Do not share drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
6. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and drink lots of water and healthy drinks.
7. Disinfect surfaces that are prone to germs (ex. phones, keyboards, doorknobs, toothbrushes).

If you or your child has not had the flu vaccine it is NOT too late to get it!

Please inform the school of any contagious illness. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Health Offices: