Information on seasonal flu

Flu season usually runs from October to March. There are many resources and information for parents, child care providers and people who work in other early childhood settings to plan for flu season. You can help prevent the spread of flu through everyday activities including:

  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Keeping surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

View brochures for parents about seasonal and H1N1 flu.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance for child care and other early childhood programs where children are in group settings. The CDC’s recommendations for early childhood programs include:

  • Examining and revising current crisis or pandemic plans and procedures.
  • Developing plans to cover staff absences due to illness.
  • Sharing plans with families, employees and the community.
  • Reviewing and revising sick leave policies to remove barriers to staff staying home while ill or caring for an ill family member.

Find more information about influenza.

Para la información en Español, haga clic aquí.