Pensacola Beach Elementary School

Dear Parents,

The Florida Department of Health reports that the 2014-2015 flu season is off to an early start

and Floridians are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the flu.

Activity levels are highest in children but overall influenza activity is widely spread across the

state. The Department is encouraging families to get their flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is safe and continues to be the best way to protect yourself and others

from the flu. The flu vaccine is offered in many locations including pharmacies, clinics,

employers and schools. Contact your physician, county health department or visit

http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-

shot.html to find a flu vaccine center near you. The national Advisory Committee on

Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals six months of age and older

receive the flu vaccine each year. Since infants younger than 6 months of age are too young to

get vaccinated against influenza, it is important that family members (including pregnant

mothers) and other caregivers for these children be vaccinated to help protect them from the

disease.

It is especially important that people who do become infected with the influenza virus

stay home when they are sick and parents keep sick children at home to prevent

spreading the flu. As a reminder our School District exclusion policy requires students to stay

home from school until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing

medication.

Additional steps to prevent flu include coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, washing

your hands frequently, and keeping your hands away from your face. Symptoms of the flu

include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any

of these symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately for guidance on treatment.

Early treatment with antivirals is important and can help people get better more quickly as well

as help to prevent severe complications.

The best way to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during flu season is to:

1) Get vaccinated, 2) Stay home if you are sick, and 3) See your doctor if experiencing

flu-like symptoms.

For more information please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents/index.htm.

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