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This blog article deviates from our typical “modus operandi,” a phrase that all of you will know from television as “M.O.” or I could just say “we are aiming this one at the kids.” My reasoning is simple, it’s back to school time and I’m still young enough to know that we’ve got a few kids who will work to hit perfect attendance and a bigger number that will try to trick their “overlords” into believing an illness is worse than it is. Take a minute to check this article with the kids, understand that there are some very legitimate illnesses that they may come to you with and then there is also the miraculous case of Bubonic Plague that someone will inevitable “get.” Knowing is half the battle!

Let’s start this with an easy question –

Have you ever gone to school when you didn't feel too well? Everyone has probably gone to school or work when they felt like crud, but if you think you have the flu, it's very important for you to talk to mom or dad about staying home from school.

Our reasons?

Influenza (flu) is an illness that can make many people very sick. This means we want to do our best to keep it from spreading around to our friends, family and even that Algebra teacher that you are not a fan of. Trust us, planning to keep Mr. Smith out of school due to influenza will NOT result in you getting out of that test that you haven’t been studying for. 

Flu symptoms include a fever plus one or more of these:

• cough
• sore throat
• runny nose
• body aches
• headaches
• feeling worn out

Some people with the flu also might have an upset stomach, which means potential diarrhea or vomitting. If you have flu-like symptoms, home is the BEST place you can be.

By staying home from school/out of the fun activities, you make it less likely that you will make other people sick.

What to Do

Take these steps if you feel sick:

1. Tell your mom or dad, so they can double check that the fever is real. They will determine if it is necessary to handle things by sending you to school, taking you to the doctor, making a call to the telemedicine line or letting you get some rest.
2. If mom and dad decide that you’ve got the flu, it’s time to stay home from school and other crowded places. Try not to make other people in your family sick by washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and keeping your distance!
3. Get rest, drink plenty of fluids and feel better fast. Don’t be afraid to tell mom and dad how you’re feeling, because they need to know so that they take good care of you.
4. Return to school only when you're feeling better, and you haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours.