Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Influenza
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by a virus.
- Symptoms include fever, sore throat, aching muscles, headache, chills, cough.
- Spread rapidly by direct contact and also by coughing and sneezing.
- May become contagious 24 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, and continues for up to 7 days, may be prolonged in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Instructions for Schools
- Needs to be reported to Peel Public Health. Please see Handling and Reporting Communicable Diseases for reporting procedures.
- For reporting cases, complete a Notification of Disease in Schools form (PDF 171KB, 2 Pages).
- Phone Peel Public Health if greater than expected number of children with similar symptoms are absent or if parent reports physician diagnosed influenza.
- Encourage thorough hand washing (PDF) and respiratory etiquette (PDF).
- Remember to protect the confidentiality of the student by not disclosing a diagnosis to concerned parents and/or colleagues. If contact follow up of those exposed is required Peel Public Health will contact those who are at risk.
Notes
- Vaccine available.
- Free vaccine available to all residents of Ontario over the age of 6 months.
- Children should avoid ASA/aspirin preparations because of risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
Disclaimer:
Peel Public Health is not responsible for the content of the linked websites and the information presented there
