- Monitor absenteeism and determine the reasons for absences
- Report any unusual absenteeism or increase in febrile respiratory illness (at least 10% above baseline absenteeism) to Orange County Public Health.
- Report any clusters of illness (at least 20% of a class or other defined group of students and/or staff, with a minimum of 5 persons ill) to Orange County Public Health
- Students and staff should stay home when sick
- Sick students and staff should be separated promptly from others
- Enforce hand hygiene (including use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer) and respiratory etiquette
- Perform routine cleaning, especially for high-touch surfaces
- Encourage ill staff and parents of high-risk students to seek early treatment
For Parents and Students
What can your student do to avoid getting sick?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, NMUSD recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Action Steps for Parents of Children at High Risk for Flu Complications
Tips For Staff
Influenza can spread rapidly in school environments where students and staff are in close proximity. In order for students and staff to remain healthy and be safe, teachers and other staff members may want to remember these helpful suggestions that include some basic hygiene precautions that can be used in every school.
Workplace Strategies:
Stay home if you experience a fever of 100° or higher until the fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
If wearing gloves, always wash your hands after removing them.
Keep frequently touched common surfaces (for example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.
Try not to use other workers' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.
