Health Services
Influenza letter send 1/15/25
CASS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
January 15th, 2024
Dear Parent or Guardian:
There is an increase in influenza illness or the flu in our community. To prevent widespread sickness in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Please consider the following guidelines to decide whether to send your child to school.
Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if they have any of these symptoms:
Fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vomiting (even once)
Diarrhea
Chills
General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or muscle aches.
Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough
Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of the nose
To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:
Wash hands frequently
Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. When using a paper tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Colds and influenza are most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child with a fever should remain home until they are “fever-free” without medication (Tylenol and Motrin) for a minimum of 24 hours. If your child is vomiting, monitor them and keep them home until they can keep food and liquids down for 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 to bring it to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get a seasonal flu vaccine yearly.
Sincerely,
Jill Lockard, RN, BSN and Kathy Schuette, RN, MSN
Medication Policy
Medications, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, may be given at school. The parent must bring all medicines to the school in their original container, and the parent and doctor will sign a medication/treatment consent form. Both signatures are needed by state law and school board policy for medications to be given at school.
Here is information on Hand, Foot, and Mouth illness.
/downloads/health_services/hand_foot_and_mouth.doc.
Here is a RSV fact sheet for you.
/downloads/health_services/rsv_tip_sheet_final.pdf
Documents
Forms for medication administration at school both prescription and non prescription /downloads/health_services/MedConsentForm.pdf
CDC Child Immunization Schedule
***NEW **** Vaccination waivers put hundreds of Michigan communities at risk of disease outbreaks
Helpful Resources
As a parent, you can be influential today by starting a conversation with your child and safeguarding your teen from prescription drug abuse. Learn more at Smart Moves Smart Choices