Science demonstrates that vaccination helps to protect you from Seasonal Influenza, a potentially serious and highly contagious illness.  .The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that all students to be immunized against Seasonal Influenza annually.

Influenza may be characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and for some, vomiting and diarrhea. If a student has "flu" symptoms they should remain home and contact the school nurse to report their symptoms. Flu symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other infectious diseases, including COVID-19, so contact your primary care provider to determine next steps if you become symptomatic. The student's return to school is dependent upon the diagnosis, the duration of symptoms and being fever free for at least 24 hours without taking fever reducing medicines. Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest will help you to recover. Frequent hand washing, disinfection of surfaces in the home and staying away from those who are ill with the flu help you to stay well. 

Flu Symptoms

• Sudden Onset

• High Fever

• Severe Exhaustion

• Dry Cough

• Headache

• Decreased Appetite

• Muscle Aches

• Chills

• Usually no sore throat

Cold Symptoms

• Slow Onset

• No (or mild) Fever

• Mild Exhaustion

• Severe or Hacking Cough

• Usually no headache

• Normal Appetite

• Usually no muscle aches

• Usually no chills

• Sore Throat