News

Flu Information

January 28, 2020

Dear Staff and Families of the Peabody Public Schools,

The Peabody Health Department has received reports that a number of individuals from our school community have
been diagnosed with influenza and/ or are experiencing flu -like illness over recent weeks. The state of Massachusetts is
experiencing a similar increase in the number of reported flu cases.

This is a reminder to stay home and/or keep your child/children home if they experience influenza-like illness. This is
defined as:

Fever > 100.4°F (38°C), AND cough and/or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause). Additional symptoms
include headache, runny nose and/or body aches.

Also, remember that children may only return to school once they have been fever- free for 24 hours without the use
of fever-reducing medicine.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your
cough and washing your hands often with soap and water can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory
illnesses like the flu.

It is not too late to get a flu shot. The flu shot may lessen your chances of getting sick with flu, and may make your
symptoms milder if you do end up getting the flu. If you need assistance in locating a flu shot, please contact out Public
Health Nurse at (978) 538-5931.

For more information about preventing flu or caring for someone with flu, visit www.mass.gov/flu.

Thank you for your cooperation. Feel free to contact us at (978) 538-5926 if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,

Sharon Cameron
Director of Health
City of Peabody

Brenda Wolff
School Nurse Leader
City of Peabody

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