Don’t let the flu stand in the way of
your school work, sports, extracurricular
activities and social life. Follow these
tips to protect yourself:
1 COMMON SENSE CAN HELP YOU – AND
YOUR FRIENDS – AVOID THE FLU
Group gatherings like football games, school
dances, and even classrooms are ideal places
for the flu bug to spread. Protect yourself
and others by following these simple steps:
- Practice Healthy Habits – Wash your hands
often with soap and warm water for at least
20 seconds to help prevent germs from
spreading. Also, avoid touching your eyes,
nose and mouth, because the virus can
spread when your hands touch surfaces that
are infested with germs. Finally, if you think
you’ve been exposed to the flu, talk to your
parents about seeing a doctor.
- Mind Your Manners – Cover your mouth
and nose with a tissue when coughing and
sneezing, and throw away your used
tissues.
- What’s Mine is Mine, What’s Yours is Yours
– Don’t share drinks, water bottles, eating
utensils or cell phones with friends.
2 IF POSSIBLE, GET A FLU SHOT
Many children are at higher risk for complications
from the flu. Talk to your school nurse and parents
about whether a flu shot is best for you. Flu vaccines are available from local health care providers.
3 IS IT COLD OR FLU? – KNOW HOW TO TELL
THE DIFFERENCE
- If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
throat and a hacking cough, you probably
have a COLD.
- If you have a high fever, severe headache,
muscle and body aches, extreme tiredness
and a dry cough, you probably have the FLU.
4 WHAT TO DO IF THE FLU CATCHES UP
WITH YOU
If you do get the flu, you don’t have to suffer:
- Talk to Your Parents About Seeing a Doctor - If you have flu symptoms, talk to your parents
about staying home from school. Your doctor
may decide to prescribe an antiviral
medication, which can shorten the number of
days that you’re sick.
- Talk to Your School Nurse – If you think you
might have the flu while at school, visit your
school nurse. Together, you can discuss your
symptoms. If the nurse thinks you could
possibly have the flu, he/she can notify your
parents and request that you see a doctor.
Printable PDF of flu prevention flyer here