Influenza season is in full swing and the Salt Lake County Health Department is asking schools to be proactive in their approach to influenza prevention and their response to cases of illness.
The most effective approach is four-pronged:
- Vaccination: Encourage staff and students to receive a seasonal flu vaccine every year.
- Hand Washing: Remind staff and students to engage in frequent, thorough, hand washing.
- Wash hands regular
- Washing with soap and warm water, and physically scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Hand sanitizers are not an adequate replacement for proper hand washing with soap and warm water. Use in addition to hand washing.
- Cleaning: Standard cleaning and disinfecting practices are sufficient to remove or kill viruses.
- Stay Home When Ill: Keep ill students and staff home from work and school for the duration of their illness.
Attached are PDF files you may use to encourage proper hand washing and cough etiquette. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also offers helpful influenza information for schools here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/index.htm.
