Flu Virus Information

Protect yourself and your family from the flu.
• Teach your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. Set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Hands should be washed: before eating or drinking, after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before touching your face.
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick. This means at least three “giant steps” away.
• Teach your children not to share food, drink or other personal items (such as lipgloss) with others.
• Be sure you and your child get the seasonal flu vaccine. This is the most important action to prevent flu infection.

If your child gets sick...
• Keep sick children at home. Do not send them to school. If they become sick at school, you will be called and asked to pick them up. Make sure your emergency phone numbers are up to date. Make a plan now for childcare if your child becomes ill.
• People who are sick should stay home from work or school and stay away from other people until they are free of fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen) and feel better.
If you have questions, please contact your school nurse or healthcare provider.
Information Courtesy: Multnomah Education Service District
Resources
Helpful Documents (printable PDF files)
Handwashing Poster
Parent Guide on the Flu

Helpful Websites
Visit the Department of Human Services website for more information about the flu.
www.flu.oregon.gov