Fast Flu Facts

· Flu is caused by the Influenza virus. Symptoms usually come on quickly, and include fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

· Flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of another person and multiplies. Flu also spreads, though less often, when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it.

· Antibiotics will not cure the flu. There are antiviral medicines, available by prescription only, that are sometimes helpful in preventing flu.

· The best way to fight flu is to prevent it! (See box )

Flu Season

And Schools

How to Prevent Flu

· Get your flu shot!

· Wash hands often

· Cover coughs & sneezes

· Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth

· Stay home when sick

EL PASO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

301 SOUTH UNION BLVD. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80-3123

Ph (719) 578-3199 FAX (719) 578-3234 www.elpasocountyhealth.org

Things to Keep in Mind for Schools

· All children and staff should learn about and USE the preventive measures.

· A sick child or staff person should stay at home during the first days of illness, when symptoms are most severe and flu is most contagious.

· Children/staff can return to school when symptoms are improving and there has been no fever for 24 hours.

· Find flu info and educational materials at: http://www.immunizecolorado.com/ .