Influenza- Like -Illness Surveillance

Here at AEMS we are participating in a voluntary reporting system with the NH Department of Health and Human Services.  Data is reported daily and will be useful in evaluating trends of influenza-like illness in the community over time.  Influenza Like Illness is defined as fever AND cough or sore throat. Other symptoms may include headache, body aches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.  Fever will be a documented temperature of >100º F or report from student/staff/parent of fever-like symptoms (chills, feeling feverish/hot, etc.)  Personal information will not be given, just the number of absences, number of absences due to influenza-like-illness and number of school nurse visits each day. 

In order to accurately track illness within the building it is essential that you call AEMS to report your child’s absence. When reporting an illness please specify the symptoms and the highest measured temperature. 

It is advised that children and staff stay home when they are ill and until they are fever free for 24 hours.  It is not okay to send a child to school after giving a fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen to mask a fever because they will likely spread the illness they have to many more children.   In the case where vomiting and diarrhea are present, those symptoms should be absent for 24 hours as well.  Any child that is determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.  If a child or staff member is exhibiting influenza like illness at time of dismissal, they will automatically be excluded from school the following day.  Ideally, parents should think about making some back up plans to stay home with child if they become ill.

Please keep in mind that if your child is going have a non-health related absence you must call to report, as it our policy to make sure all children are accounted for.