Increase in Flu Cases at Waltham Schools This Season

WALTHAM, MA – Cases of the flu are on the rise in Waltham, and the district is seeing an increase in student absentee rates, according to Superintendent Drew Echelson.

Echelson informed parents of the uptick in cases and said most students with the flu have exhibited headaches and fevers above 100 degrees.

"I have spoken with the local Board of Health, and they are confirming that Flu is present in the Waltham

community, much more so than last year, and numbers are increasing," Echelson wrote in the letter.

The following tips can help families, students and staff prevent from catching the flu:

• Practice good hand washing. Hands should be washed often with soap or water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

• Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way flu is spread is from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. It is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder - not your hands.

• Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick. If a child has a temperature over 100 degrees, keep them home. They should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours and showing no signs of fever.

• Keep bodies strong by eating well, sleeping well and exercising regularly.

Echelson also provided parents with the following guidelines for keeping their child home, and deciding to send a child back to school:

Should I keep my Child Home?

Has your child had a fever of 100 degrees or more in the past 24 hours?

Does your child have a cough OR sore throat?

If you answered YES to BOTH questions above, keep your child home. Your child may have an influenza-
like illness.

Can my Child Return to School?

Has your child had a fever of 100 degrees or more in the past 24 hours?

Has your child had acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprophen (Motrin or Advil) in the last 24 hours?

If you answered NO to both questions, your child can return to school.

If you answered YES to either one of the questions above your child cannot return to school. Please keep your child home for at least another day to observe for additional symptoms.

>>>Click here for Echelson's letter to the WPS district.

Photo credit: William Brawley via Flickr