December 14, 2022

HPS is Closely Watching Flu-related Absences

We have been monitoring student attendance in our buildings over the past few days and have noticed an increase in absences due to influenza.  At this time, we have no plans to close buildings but wanted to take this time to remind you of some precautionary measures we can take as a community to reduce the spread of illnesses.  


We  work closely with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health to monitor the health of our students and identify potential outbreaks.  

If your student is experiencing ANY of the following Influenza symptoms, please do not send him/her to school:

  • Fever 
  • Headache
  • Extreme tiredness 
  • Dry cough 
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Please watch your child for these signs/symptoms. You should keep children home and avoid contact with other people if they have these symptoms. Call your child’s physician for advice. 

You may ease symptoms with over the counter flu medicine, get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Your child should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the aid of fever reducing medicines, and until symptoms have subsided.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes,  mouth,  or nose. We will be working with our custodial crews to disinfect rooms identified as problem areas and will deep clean all of our schools over the winter break.   

Masks and hand sanitizer will be made available to students in each of our buildings.  

If you have questions or concerns please contact your school nurse or family physician.  

 

Sincerely,

Nick Cassidy

Superintendent

Holland Public Schools