General Information

The Florida Department of Health continues to provide specific guidance to parents regarding symptoms and treatment of influenza or flu which is now widespread across our state. Symptoms of the flu often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, or fatigue. The best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potentially severe complications is for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Antiviral medication for flu has been shown to reduce the severity and length of the disease and decrease the risk of complications from influenza. Making healthy choices at school and home can help prevent the flu and keep it from spreading to others. Children, parents, and staff should take the following everyday preventive actions:

• Stay home when you are sick and keep your child with flu symptoms home from school. Children must not return to school for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have disappeared.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Cover your sneezes or coughs with a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school.

For more information, please visit https://cdc.gov/flu. Contact your medical provider for more information on the flu vaccine. 

Revised 06/2024