Dallas is the latest North Texas school district asking parents to do their part at home to fight the spread of influenza in the classrooms.
Dallas Independent School District is sending out a letter to parents from the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department.
The letter warns parents that the flu season got an earlier start this winter and school officials expect to see a growing number of staff and students out sick. It says fighting the flu at school is a daily battle that starts at home.
“It kind of hurts,” said third-grade student Jimmy Ortiz. Ortiz knows getting sick isn’t fun. Kids are quickly learning about the flu.
Now, the health department’s educating the adults about the flu. DCHHS is asking parents to check every morning if your child is showing any signs of the flu, usually fever with a cough or sore throat.
Sick staff and students are asked to stay home, until they no longer have a fever for at least 24 hours without medication to reduce it.
The department recommends one parent should care for a sick child and they should be kept in a separate room and have limited contact with family members who don't have the flu whenever possible.
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Jimmy Ortiz' father, Jay, understands that it may take some drastic measures to keep everyone healthy.
“I think it's good. As bad as it is right now, I don't think I've heard it being this bad in the last couple of years, it's not too bad of an idea,” said Jay Ortiz.
“This is a very serious strain that we have right now. Any steps they can take to keep this from spreading any further would be appreciated,” said DISD spokesperson, Jon Dahlander.
The district is keeping a close eye on attendance to watch for outbreaks. It’s also continuing its current disinfecting practices to keep the schools clean.
