Signs and symptoms of flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
 

How flu spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

Head Lice

Pediculosis (head lice) can happen to anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, or sex. Pediculosis affects between 6-12 million people in the United States each year, and is the most common childhood affliction following the common cold. Unlike the cold virus, however, pediculosis is a social issue, and not a health problem.

Pediculosis is more prevalent among children than adolescents and adults, probably because children are naturally affectionate and have head to head contact through play and other activities. Children are more likely to share personal items such as caps, helmets, combs, brushes, etc. They forget that in sharing these items, they may also be sharing head lice. Pediculosis, therefore, is a common nuisance that parents may find themselves dealing with during their children’s early school years.

Based on recommendations by the Texas Department of Health, the Whitehouse ISD nursing department will only perform head checks on an as needed basis and in private.

Students with live lice will be sent home and may return as soon as appropriate treatment is completed. The parent must bring the student by the nurse’s office for an examination prior to readmission. Your nurse is able to provide you with information regarding treatment and control of pediculosis. Parents are encouraged to periodically check their student for nits, which would indicate the presence of an adult, egg-laying louse.