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WHAT
YOU SHOULD KNOW
INFLUENZA
IN THE CHILD CARE SETTING
Influenza (sometimes called "the flu") is a potentially serious viral disease
that can make people of any age ill. Influenza can cause fever, chills,
cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches. The influenza virus is
usually passed when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person
inhales droplets containing the virus. Although most people are ill for
only a few days, some have much more serious illness and need to be hospitalized.
Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related complications.
Most influenza-related deaths are in the elderly.
Anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching influenza may receive
the vaccination. Since the influenza virus changes frequently, yearly vaccination
in October to early November is recommended for protection from influenza.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults in the child care setting,
especially those who are in any of the following high risk categories:
-
65 years of age and over.
-
Have chronic lung or heart disease.
-
Require regular medical care for chronic metabolic (including diabetes
mellitus), kidney, blood, or suppressed immune system diseases.
-
Live or work with people who are in any of the above categories (or with
children on long-term aspirin therapy.)
Any child 6 months and older can be vaccinated against influenza. Children
in the following groups are at high risk of serious disease with influenza
and should be vaccinated:
-
Have chronic lung (including asthma) or heart disease.
-
Require regular medical care for chronic metabolic (including diabetes
mellitus), kidney, blood, or suppressed immune system diseases.
-
Are on long-term aspirin therapy.
Children who are in frequent contact, at home or in the child care setting,
with people who are in any of the above high-risk categories should also
be vaccinated against influenza.
If a child or staff person develops a fever (100 degrees F or higher
under the arm, 101 degrees orally, or 102 degrees rectally) AND chills,
cough, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches, he or she should be sent
home.
During an epidemic of influenza you should:
-
Closely observe all children for symptoms and refer anyone developing symptoms
to his or her physician.
-
Make sure all children and adults follow good handwashing and hygiene practices,
including use and proper disposal of paper tissues.
-
Make sure all children and adults follow good handwashing and hygiene practices,
including use and proper disposal of paper tissues.
-
In large facilities, follow appropriate group separation practices.
-
Closely observe all children for symptoms and refer anyone developing symptoms
to his or her physician.
Notify parents.
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