Cold and Flu Season Guidelines

Cold and flu season is upon us and we are seeing a large number of students with flu symptoms. KSD 140 will follow the recommendations from the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). Please consider the following guidelines.

DEFINITELY keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees by mouth. Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees, by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without having received fever reducing medication
• Vomiting (even once)
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
• Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
• Shortness of breath
• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

CONSIDER keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

• Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
• Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
• Headache
• Mild stomach ache

PREVENTION - Please remind your child of these recommendations:   

• Wash hands frequently
• Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Colds and Flu are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours.

Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not they should attend school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

More information can be found at the Cook County Department of Public Health website.