Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Heritage has
a few positive cases of influenza upon returning from Winter Break. Please
monitor your child for the symptoms below.
The cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused
by different types of viruses with different symptoms. Here is a quick chart to review the
differences:
|
Signs and Symptoms
|
Influenza
|
Cold
|
|
Symptom onset
|
Rapid
|
Gradual
|
|
Fever
|
High fever/chills
|
Rare
|
|
Body Aches
|
Usual; often severe
|
Slight
|
|
Fatigue/weakness
|
Usual
|
Slight
|
|
Headache
|
Common
|
Rare
|
|
Chest discomfort/cough
|
Common; can be severe
|
Mild to moderate
|
|
Stuffy nose/sore throat
|
Sometimes
|
Common
|
In addition
to getting the flu vaccine, you should take these steps to avoid spreading
germs:
·
Cover
your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use
it.
·
Wash
your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
are also effective.
·
Try
to avoid contact with sick people.
·
If
you get the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
·
Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
·
Children
need to be fever free for 24 hours without medication to return to school.
If you have
any questions, please contact the school nurse.
Keri Hicks
RN
