Seasonal and H1N1 Flu

Flu is steadily on the rise in our community, state and across the US. According to the CDC, currently most cases are caused by the H1N1 flu virus (Swine flu). The number of hospitalizations and deaths attributed to H1N1 flu remains lower than what is normally seen with seasonal flu. This is good news, and reassures us that the H1N1 virus is not mutating into a more severe strain. The majority of illnesses are mild to moderate, and can be treated at home.

WISD continues to monitor flu-like illness in students and staff, and each week we are seeing more student cases. We will take immediate action to notify parents if a severe outbreak occurs. WISD strongly emphasizes the importance of good health and hygiene habits, and maintenance staff members routinely clean regularly touched surfaces. We strongly urge parents to keep their students home if they have any flu-like symptoms such as fever greater than 100°F, sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea until they are fever-free or without signs of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Your help is critical in keeping our schools healthy this flu season.