DIRECTOR
ANNE T. FOUNTAIN, MPH
TEL: (203) 977-4399
FAX: (203) 977-5506
Email: AFountain@StamfordCT.gov
MAYOR
DAVID R. MARTIN
MEDICAL ADVISOR
HENRY H. YOON, MD, DABFM, FAAFP
TEL: (203) 977-4399
FAX: (203) 977-5506
Email: HYoon@StamfordCT.gov
CITY OF STAMFORD
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
STAMFORD GOVERNMENT CENTER
888 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
P.O.BOX 10152
STAMFORD, CT 06904-2152
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you may have heard, there have been cases of Influenza (Flu) diagnosed in Stamford and throughout Connecticut. Flu can be very contagious and
caused by a group of respiratory viruses called the influenza viruses. If your child has not already received a Flu Immunization to prevent the Flu,
you may want to consider contacting your child’s Healthcare Provider to see if it is still available and advisable for your child to receive the
Flu Vaccine.
Please monitor your child carefully, and notify your physician if your child develops any of the following signs or symptoms listed below;
Signs/Symptom may include:

A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

A cough and/or sore throat

A runny or stuffy nose

Headaches and/or body aches

Chills

Fatigue

Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Most healthy adults can infect others one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after symptoms appear. Some people, especially
young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for a longer period. The infection is most often spread by direct
contact from sneezing and coughing, and indirect contact from hands and articles soiled with nose and throat secretions.
There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Call your child’s physician if your child has the above symptoms and fever. While viruses are not treated with antibiotics, your physician will advise
you regarding supportive care for your child while ill. Please report episodes of confirmed Flu (diagnosed by physician) to the nurse’s office at your
child’s school as soon as possible. Your child should remain at home while sick, and may return to school when his/her symptoms have gone
away or with the advice of a Healthcare Professional.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE.
Sincerely,
Henry Yoon, M.D.
Medical Advisor, City of Stamford
Department of Health and Social Services
Medical Advisor, Stamford Public Schools
Anne Fountain, MPH
Director of Health
Department of Health and Social Services