Influenza is rampant in Minnesota. Prior to the break, Influenza B was hitting area schools (just not Norman County) hard. The break hopefully gave everyone a chance to recover and amp up their immune systems. However, Influenza A was in North Dakota, and is starting to show up in Minnesota. None of these viral infections respond to antibiotics. Comfort measures such as fluids, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, gargle with warm salt water, and REST are the best interventions for influenza. Antivirals are only effective if taken within 48 hours of symptoms. Antivirals help stop the virus from replicating or “reproducing” which lessens the length of illness.
Another intervention is to get the flu vaccine- while it does not always PREVENT the flu, it does lessen the length of illness. For most individuals infected with influenza symptoms last 7-10 days. With the flu vaccine, the body more quickly recognizes the flu virus and starts fighting it. By doing this, the symptoms of the flu last 4-7 days instead. Some people state they “get” the flu when they get the vaccine. That is not true! What they have is an immune response- which is a GOOD thing, because that means the body is battle-ready. Sadly, mixed in with Influenza is a nasty stomach virus that causes stomach aches, nausea, emesis, and diarrhea. It generally lasts 2-3 days and has impacted most family members if it is in the home.
Once the virus shows up in your home/school- GOOD HANDWASHING, getting enough sleep, and keeping your immune system strong can decrease your risk for getting influenza. Other steps you can take if your home is struck by illness is wash the bedding, wipe down commonly touched items, and clean the bathroom frequently until no one in the family has symptoms. Your children should NOT be sent to school until they have gone 24 hours without throwing up or diarrhea OR without a fever for 24 hours without medication. Please don’t give your child Tylenol/Ibuprofen and send them to school- because they will be sent home if their fever comes back.
Any questions, please call the school nurse Tracy at 218-280-3125.
