There have been a large number of students diagnosed with influenza within Thai schools in Chiang Mai resulting in some schools being closed by the Public Health Department. We have had a number of students suffering from flu like symptoms and want to try to reduce the spread of infection within the CMIS community.
The school administration is asking parents of children in CMIS to keep their children home at the sign of any flu-like illness and for them to remain home until they are 1 day symptom free (without the use of medication to reduce fever).
We must see the students at the Nurse’s office as they return to school, in order to give them a clearance pass to return to class. Please inform the school if your child has been diagnosed with Flu Type B.
The signs and symptoms of the flu virus include typical influenza-like illness with fever greater than 37.8OC, lethargy, sore throat, headache, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present which include nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Sufferers are infectious 24 hours before symptoms appear and the sickness lasts for approximately 7 days. incubation period for this virus is 3 days.
The Center for Disease Control recommends the primary means to reduce the spread of influenza in schools is to focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette being taught.
Please remind your children of the following:
• Build up good body immunity. This means a proper diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and reducing stress.
• Keep hands clean by washing them properly and regularly.
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and use disposable tissues.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose.
• Wash hands before and after touching any part of the face. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth after visiting public places.
• Keep hands, pencils and pens out of mouths.
• Do not share towels, wash cloths, pillows, sports bottles, drinks, food or eating utensils.
• Use serving utensils at meal times
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation
• Use liquid soap for hand-washing and disposable towels for drying hands
• Use alcohol gel after washing and drying hands in soap and water.
• Consult Doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms and fever develop.
• If you are ill, do not take public transport and wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth when in public.
Thank you all for your cooperation. We will continue to update on a regular basis and have asked the cleaners to carry out a thorough clean within the classrooms to reduce the risk of spread. If you have any questions, please come to talk to us in the Nurse’s office or call the Health Office on Ext. 115.
CMIS Health Office
