The 2018-19 flu season has begun and Georgia is experiencing higher levels of flu than anticipated for this time of year. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual flu vaccine as the first and best way to protect against influenza. And, although the flu shot can't prevent every case of flu, it can protect you from more severe illness. It’s not too late to get a flu shot so consider getting a shot for yourself and your family members, especially those with asthma and other chronic illnesses.
Health officials encourage families to take precautions to limit the spread of illness, including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home and keeping ill children home when flu-like and other cold symptoms appear.
If your child has flu-like symptoms, please contact your physician or health clinic for recommendations. The flu may last 7 to 10 days. If your child has a fever, they must be kept home. They must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication prior to returning to school. Please check out health and wellness resources from GCPS, including our “Healthy Habits” flyer for tips on flu prevention. If you have questions about the flu or flu prevention, you also may contact the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260.