Fall/Winter Health Update

The winter season is quickly approaching and with that also comes cold and flu season. The flu and common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Your health care provided can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu. The flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills, nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea are common. People with colds are more likely to have just a runny or stuffy nose. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the most important step in protecting against this serious disease. If you have been diagnosed with the flu, you should stay home and follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Over the counter medications can be used but will not make you less contagious. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications or antibiotics if your illness has progressed into a bacterial infection. It is important to get plenty of rest and to drink fluids like water, broth, and sports drinks. Remember, do not return to school unless you are vomiting and diarrhea free for 24 hours and you have not experienced a fever in 24 hours without taking any fever reducing medications. Good handwashing, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying away from sick people are good ways to stop these pesty germs from spreading. If we can be of any assistance to your child or you, please do not hesitate to ask.