Health officials offer the following recommendations for keeping your child home from school when exhibiting flu symptoms:

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he/she has any of these symptoms:
- fever greater than 100 degrees (taken by mouth) - your child may return to school only after temperature is consistently below 100 degrees for 24 hours.
- vomiting, even once
- diarrhea
- chills
- general malaise or feeling fatigue, discomfort, weakness, or muscle aches
- frequent congested (wet) or croup-y cough
- lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

To help prevent the flu, colds, and other respiratory infections, teach your children good hygiene habits:
- wash hands frequently
- do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
- cover mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
- when using a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
- avoid close contact with people who are sick

For more flu information please refer to the following links:

Erie County Department of Health

New York State Health Department

Centers for Disease Control