Hagerstown, MD (January 29, 2017) - WCPS continues to monitor the number of cases of influenza affecting students and staff in our schools and offices. The flu can be serious for children of all ages, causing them to miss school and activities, and possibly result in hospitalization. Please contact your child’s healthcare provider if he or she develops the following symptoms: severe cough, achy muscles, stuffy, runny nose, severe tiredness, fever and difficulty breathing. WCPS staff members are diligently maintaining a cleaning schedule for frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, stair rails, telephones, computer keyboards and bathroom faucets and fixtures. We also encourage students and staff to follow the Centers for Disease Control Prevention recommendations for fighting the flu:

• Get the annual flu vaccine
• Take regular preventative measures to stop the spread of germs:
  • Wash hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available,
  • Cover coughs with disposable tissue or cough into a sleeve,
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth,
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals,
  • Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils, and
  • Stay home when sick
• Take flu antiviral medications if your healthcare provider prescribes them

WCPS is also asking parents for help in maintaining a healthy school environment in a variety of ways:

• Make sure children receive all recommended immunizations, including an annual flu vaccine,
• Reinforce all of the above preventative behaviors practiced at school,
• Make sure that children get plenty of exercise, sleep and healthy food, and
• Keep children home, especially if they have a fever above 100o F, diarrhea, vomiting or a severe cough