Flu Information

According to the the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S experiences epidemics of seasonal flu each year. They say the timing of flu, while unpredictable and varying from year to year and region to region, most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February.

What Parents Can Do

Because the flu can easily be spread from person to person, we need your help keeping all Putnam City students healthy. Here are everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu:

Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. The Centers for Disease Control says you may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
   • Fever (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
   • Cough
   • Sore throat
   • Runny or stuffy nose
   • Body aches
   • Headache
   • Chills
   • Fatigue

Teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes. They should not cough or sneeze into their hands, but instead use tissues (which should then be thrown away) or even the upper sleeve of their shirt or coat.

Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Washing for about 20 seconds is ideal. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Keep children who are sick at home so they don't share the virus with others. Sick children should stay home for at least 24 hours after there is no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

What the District does

The district takes the steps listed below to limit the spread of flu in schools:

• We ask schools to stress with students, as they always do during flu season, proper hygiene, hand-washing, coughing, etc.
• We have hand sanitizer dispensers widely available in classrooms and cafeterias, and students are encouraged to use them.
• We monitor attendance in our schools.
• We are in contact with local health officials in order to stay abreast of city and state flu rates and determine when a greater response is called for.
• As needed, we provide information to parents through websites, phone calls, letters, etc.

More Information

Centers for Disease Control
Main Page
Flu Information for Parents with Young Children
Flu & You

Oklahoma State Department of Health
OKFlu View