Stafford Schools Urge Parents to Help Curb Flu Spread Amid Rising Cases

Stafford County Public Schools advise families and staff to practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds, and other viruses as cases rise in the community.

Parents are encouraged to ensure children wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their faces, and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. The CDC and Virginia Department of Health recommend flu vaccinations for anyone six months and older.

Students should stay home if they have a fever over 100.4°F, vomiting, diarrhea, or other severe symptoms. They must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

Here’s the email to parents:

Dear Stafford Schools families and staff,

As you may be aware, influenza season has arrived in the area. It is important to remain mindful of seasonal illnesses, including the flu, colds, and other viruses that can spread easily in schools and the community. Practicing healthy habits can help reduce the risk of illness for everyone.

To help prevent the spread of flu, colds, gastro-intestinal, and viruses, please remember to practice good hygiene habits:

Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth.

Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Use a paper tissue, or cough/sneeze into sleeves.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC and VDH recommend vaccinating anyone six months of age and older against the flu.
Please follow Stafford County Public Schools Health Services guidelines for staying home from school when sick:

Fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.7 degrees Celsius
Vomiting more than two times within 24 hours

Diarrhea

Nasal drainage that is yellow or green

Severe earaches (pain) or chronic productive (wet) cough

General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or muscle aches

All students and staff should be free of fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of medication to control these symptoms prior to returning to school. Staying home when you are sick will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. Please visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/influenza/ and https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/ for more information.