Flu & Cold season

Flu season is here! Please keep this in mind when you or your students don’t feel well. We encourage the use of masks in order to stop germs from spreading.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever/Chills: Can be present but not always.

• Headache.

• Muscle aches (Myalgia).

• Fatigue (Tiredness).

• Cough: Often dry.

• Sore throat.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Vomiting or diarrhea: More common in children. 

Emergency Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Care)

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Confusion or difficulty waking up.

• Persistent dizziness.

• Severe weakness or muscle pain.

• Signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urination).

• In children: Fast breathing, blue lips, ribs pulling in with each breath, or no social interaction. 

2026 Context

• Strain: The current season (2025-2026) has seen high activity from Influenza A, particularly H3N2, with some mutated "subclade K" strains being highly infectious.

• Duration: Symptoms can last days to weeks, with fever and aches resolving faster than cough or congestion.

• Contagious Period: You're contagious from a day before symptoms start until about a week after, peaking in the first few days.