Local schools are working closely with the CDC and health departments to monitor flu symptoms and take steps concerning safe practices.  Here's some good advice to share and pass along:

•    Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this as a family.
•    Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.
•    Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.  Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired.  Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
•    Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (without using fever-reducing drugs) or do not have signs of flu. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected.
•    Do not send or bring children to school or church if they are sick. 

Pray for a flu-free season!