The Department of Education knows that school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents are especially concerned about the flu this year, particularly its effects on children. Much attention has focused on the recent flu vaccine shortage, which could seriously affect children and teachers in schools. Regardless of the vaccine situation, we know that schools can be creative about keeping their communities healthy, including posting information about hand washing in restrooms, providing flu messages in daily announcements, and being vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting classroom materials.
We know that school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents have lots of questions about the flu, such as the following:
What is the current situation with flu vaccine?
On October 5, 2004, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) learned that about half of the expected flu vaccine supply would not be available for the United States, due to manufacturing problems. The remaining supply of vaccine is being routed to serve individuals in "high priority" groups:
Where can I get more information about the flu, the vaccination shortage, and prevention?
Our colleagues at the CDC have developed a flu website where you can access:
CDC also has a list of questions and answers on their website, at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/. Here are some highlights:
How do I know when someone has the flu?
Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days after your symptoms begin. In addition, a doctor's exam may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of the flu.
How can I tell if someone has the flu or a common cold?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out, when needed to tell if a person has the flu.
For more information, see Questions & Answers: Cold Versus Flu
How long is a person with flu virus contagious?
The period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age of the person. Adults may be contagious from one day prior to becoming sick and for three to seven days after they first develop symptoms. Some children may be contagious for longer than a week.
Can antiviral drugs cure the flu?
Not exactly. When started within the first two days of illness, they can reduce the duration of the disease but cannot cure it outright. Four different antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir) have been approved for treating the flu. All four drugs can reduce the duration of flu by about one day if taken within 2 days of when symptoms begin.
All of these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor. These drugs are effective against flu viruses, but they are not effective against other viruses or bacteria that can cause symptoms similar to influenza. These drugs are not effective for treating bacterial infections that can occur as complications of influenza.
At what age should a child be vaccinated?
The flu vaccine is not recommended for children younger than 6 months of age. CDC and the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that all children ages 6-23 months should receive the flu vaccine, since they are at high risk for complications from the flu.
CDC has also provided some additional important information and resources about how to stay healthy this flu season on their website, at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
How can I prevent the flu besides being vaccinated?
The CDC recommends the following to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home from work or school and any school-related activities when you are sick. This will help you recover from your illness and also keep you from spreading your illness to others.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
To find contact information for your state or local health department, go to http://www.cdc.gov/other.htm.
For "Key Facts About the Flu," a fact sheet including information about flu symptoms, how flu spreads, and how to prevent flu, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm.
For more information about both the injectable flu vaccine and the new, intranasal Flu Mist, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm.
For more information about treating flu and flu symptoms, including information about why children or teenagers with flu-like symptoms should NOT take aspirin, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/sick.htm.