Are you finding yourself not feeling well, your kids are not feeling well and quite possibly it seems even the dog isn’t feeling well these days? You're not alone unfortunately. We are seeing an increase in Influenza like Illnesses, especially Influenza A and a fair amount of Noroviruses spreading through the school. You may be wondering, what is an Influenza like Illness or sometimes referred to as “the flu”, and what are Noroviruses or “the stomach flu”. Influenza-like Illnesses are respiratory in nature and can include symptoms such as: fever, chills or shivering, headache, body/muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms often come on suddenly and can last several weeks. Examples include Influenza, COVID, RSV and the common cold. Noroviruses are gastrointestinal (stomach and digestion) in nature and can include symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It can also less commonly include: low grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, or fatigue. Symptoms often come 1-2 days after exposure and may come on suddenly. Most people recover within 1-2 days. Fact sheets for Influenza, RSV, COVID, Norovirus and several others can be found on the school’s website under the health office page by clicking on communicable diseases.
With the spread of these illnesses it is very important that you notify the school of not only your students' absence, but also to report the symptoms they are experiencing. The Minnesota Department of Health requires schools to report outbreaks of illnesses in the school setting. When calling your student's teacher/teachers at the Elementary school, or the High School office at Central, it’s important to leave the symptoms for each child in your household that are absent for the day. You are welcome to also leave a message with the health office to report student symptoms. If you are unsure when your student should return to school, please reach out to me here in the health office. Additionally, this information can be found on the health office page of our school website. Absences must be reported the day your student is absent.
While these illnesses are present it is extra important to stay home if you are sick and keep your students home if they are sick. With influenza like illnesses potentially lasting several weeks, that doesn’t mean they need to stay home for 2 weeks. With any illness, our policy is to be 24 hours fever free without the use of fever reducing medication, 24 hours free of any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. They should be well enough to participate in general school activities and be able to tolerate a normal diet.
Mitigation measures are always best practices, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, cover your cough and sneezes, do not share personal items, get vaccinated, do not touch wild animals or deceased animals, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth and practice good health habits.
Stay healthy out there MCC family. It’s hard to stay home when the weather has been so good but if you are not feeling well, the errands can wait, your student can catch up on school work when they are better, you can live stream the game or meet and watch from home. Go ahead and stay home, get the rest that’s needed to feel better.
In health,
Desirée Haupert
Health Services Coordinator - MCC Schools