Flu Season Is in Full Swing…

Unfortunately, Georgia is experiencing widespread flu. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia currently has some of the highest rates of flu cases and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is reporting an increase in admissions due to flu and other viral infections. “Flu season is unpredictable, especially this year as we continue to face COVID-19,” said Andi Shane, MD, MPH, System Medical Director, Infectious Diseases at Children’s. “The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is for everyone 6 months and older to get a seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they become available.” Making sure that everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated receives the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is one of the best ways to keep your family healthy.” The CDC and other public health officials are also encouraging everyone to protect yourself and prevent the spread of flu by getting vaccinated. They are stressing, if you have not gotten a flu vaccine yet, do not wait any longer. Vaccination is the best prevention against the flu for all ages and is especially important for people at higher risk of developing flu complications.

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. If you think you have the flu or any serious respiratory illness, call or visit your doctor or healthcare provider.

In addition to the flu vaccine, the following are also preventive actions you can take to help prevent the spread of flu and germs:

• Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of flu.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.  
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause the flu.
• For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.

 To ensure the safety and health of students, staff, and parents, we encourage you to take these precautions. We believe by taking these proactive measures we can reduce the spread of flu and other communicable illnesses.

The Office of District Health Services (DHS) team of Registered School Nurses and Clinic Assistants work diligently to adhere to district guidelines for identifying, reporting, managing, and preventing suspected and/or confirmed infectious illnesses. Additionally, DHS works closely with Fulton County Board of Health to report any unusual or increased absences due to flu/respiratory illness. For more information, please contact the Office of District Health Services at 470-254-2177 or your healthcare provider.

Sources: The Centers for Disease Control and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

More information and frequently asked questions about the flu and flu vaccine, visit Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season | CDC or https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/flu/why-your-child-needs-a-flu-shot

If you need this document/information in a different language, please send an email to districtlanguageassistance@fultonschools.org or call 470-254-6827.

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