CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In anticipation of flu and virus season, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system recently sent a letter to parents regarding ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
Citing the recent media attention focused on the Enterovirus D-68 and other viruses, the school system has suggested the following preventative measures to keep students healthy.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, not hands.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Keep your child home when he or she is fevered or feeling sick. Establish a
contingency plan for keeping a sick child at home or picking him or her up from
school so you are prepared if illness strikes.
• Keep your child at home for at least 24 hours after he or she is free of fever
without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about annual seasonal flu vaccines.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ memo, Enteroviruses mimic the symptoms of colds and flu such as runny nose, coughing, fever, and aches. Viruses have no specific medical treatments, so prevention is the best plan for wellness.
The memo also said that the School System will be monitoring attendance for signs of “widespread illness”, but have no reason for concern thus far.
