As you know, the occurrance of flu is increasing as health units warned it would.

During this time, we would ask that you be vigilant in keeping sick children at home, and modeling safe and healthy behaviours such as hand-washing and coughing into your sleeve or a tissue.

Your child's school is sharing this direction, and watching all students for signs of flu and calling you for immediate pick-up if your child is ill.

Signs of the flu include:

• respiratory symptoms
• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• joint pain or weakness.

In children under 5, gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present and fever may not be prominent.

Please note that all H1N1 vaccination clinics will be offered as "community based." Health Unit staff will not be visiting schools to offer the shot to school children during school hours. Parents must bring their children to a public clinic.However, some public clinics will be held in schools. For more information, please visit the Board website, www.tldsb.on.ca, for links to the Health Unit resources.