Flu Bug Hits Geneva Schools

Kane County has seen a rise in confirmed flu cases as well as influenza like illness over this past week, according to an e-mail announcement from Mill Creek Elementary School.

"Some of the symptoms we have seen are a fluctuating temperature from normal to 103 without accompanying symptoms, fever with headache, and/or fever with body aches and cough," the e-blast said.

Mill Creek Elementary School Nurse Kara Fenne suggests keeping students at home if they show any of those symptoms.

"Rest and fluids are the main treatments for the flu, and your doctor may also prescribe Tamiflu if symptoms are caught soon enough," Fenne said.

Students are allowed back to school after they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medicine. "However, if your child still feels ill, it isn't a bad idea to keep them home, even without a fever. They may still be shedding the virus and need time to finish recuperating," said.

She also suggests following the 3 C's: Cover (your cough), Clean (your hands) and Contain. (Stay home if you are ill).

More advice from Geneva Health Services

Influenza by definition is an acute viral disease of the respiratory tract, which usuallylasts from two to seven days. Influenza is spread from person to person by direct contact with infecteddroplets from the nose or throat.

Airborne spread among crowded populations in enclosed spaces is common. The time between exposure to the infection and development of symptoms( incubation period) is usually one to five days. Influenza vaccine may be given to anyone wishing to decrease his or her chances of acquiring influenza disease.

Contact your healthcare provider formore information regarding vaccination.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

• Fever (usually above 100 degrees)
• Headache and bodyache
• Runny nose
• Mild sore throat
• Weakness
• Dry hacking cough
• Vomiting / diarrhea

How is influenza treated?

Since influenza is a viral illness there is no specific treatment or medications to take. Most healthy children with the flu will recover without problems, but certain children are at high risk for serious complications. Talk with your doctor to determine if your child is at risk.

Good management should include obtaining adequate rest, proper nutrition, and plenty offluids.

Non-aspirin products can be taken to relieve fever as recommended by your doctor.

As the Geneva CUSD #304 Parent Handbook states, the following are the guidelines for returning your child to school:

1. Students with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea may not return to school until they are symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours.
2. The student must feel well enough to return to the classroom and be able to resume normal activities.