Health tips for flu season

Influenza activity is currently high throughout Dallas County. To best protect our students from influenza, we remind you that:

• If your child is ill with flu-like symptoms, it is extremely important for you to keep them at home. Do not send them back to school until their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the help of anti-fever medicines.

• A doctor’s note is not required to return to school, and most children with mild flu recover in a few days and do not need to be seen by a doctor. But if your child shows signs of severe illness – such as difficulty breathing – please seek emergency care.

• Finally, please continue to remind your children to wash their hands and use hand-sanitizer regularly, cover their cough, avoid touching their face, and to stay away from other sick persons as much as possible.

Influenza vaccine is still available from many doctors offices and the health department.