Flu, COVID, and Cold Season is Upon Us

Dear Episcopal Community,

With flu and COVID season upon us, please keep the following guidelines in mind when deciding whether or not to send your child to school. This will help reduce and prevent the spread of infection at school and allow your child to be available for learning. Signs and symptoms of flu and COVID include a fever (100 or greater), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and feeling very tired. Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea.

Students should remain home for the following reasons:

• For a temperature of 100 degrees or greater. Your child should be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication prior to returning to school.
• If your child has a heavy, moist productive cough, or chest congestion.
• If your child is diagnosed with a strep infection, he/she will need to be on an antibiotic for a minimum of 24 hours, fever-free, and feeling well.
• If your child has diarrhea or is vomiting, he/she must be free of those symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.

To help prevent the flu, COVID, and the common cold, teach your children good hygiene habits:

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

Your collaboration is invaluable in maintaining a healthy and safe learning environment for everyone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Tonya Carter, RN
Katy Jones, APRN, FNP-BC