Thursday, December 1st 

 Dear CBHS Families: 

Thanks to everyone who has come into school the last few days for conferences and/or to see the seniors’ fantastic Art in Action exhibit. We know many students and families and staff members have had to reschedule conferences due to illness. Today 21% of our students are currently out sick, primarily with the Flu. We hope each and everyone of you who are not feeling well, take care of yourselves and get well soon!

 The Maine CDC has determined that CBHS is in “outbreak” status for Flu. When there are a high number of students and/or staff out with a contagious illness - like Flu or Covid - they will determine this to be an ‘outbreak’. This happened today (Thursday, Dec. 1st). School outbreak status does not necessarily warrant school closure. The state will work with  Nurse Bell to monitor the absenteeism rate for CBHS for several days and assist the CBHS community to prevent more cases of the infectious/contagious illness. 

 Please know that if your child has a fever or is feeling sick, they should stay home, even if they test negative for COVID. If your child is well, please send them to school as normal. 

 Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness.  The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

 Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle or body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

To help reduce the spread of flu and flu-like viruses:

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover cough and sneezes

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.

• For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine. Note that the stay-at-home guidance for COVID-19 may be different. Learn about some of the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19.

Here are some additional resources from the Maine CDC that may be helpful as we navigate this latest challenge. 

Influenza (Flu) and Influenza Prevention 

Influenza: What You Can Do at Home

Local Vaccination Clinic Info (for flu and COVID 19) 

Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. And if you are not feeling well now, may you have a full and speedy recovery!

Sincerely, 

Derek Pierce

Principal