Information for Parents
Guidance About the Flu and RE
In light of the upcoming flu season, we would like to provide some guidance for families and Religious Exploration teachers in hopes that we can limit the spread of flu in UUCF classrooms.
As a reminder, the best way to avoid the flu:
- Keep your hands clean
- Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) and cough/ sneeze into a tissue or your elbow (not your hands)
- Stay home when feeling ill
- Health care officials recommend immunization
As most of us know, gatherings of children have great potential for passing germs and this year's H1N1 flu (swine flu) is likely to affect children, youth, and pregnant women disproportionately--and so we should be watchful and prepared. Since viruses can often be spread before people experience fever, we ask you to be especially mindful of how you are feeling, and please stay home if you or your children feel the slightest bit sick. Also, most schools ask that once ill, students not return to school until they are free of fever for 24 hours without medication (ibuprophen or acetaminophen). Please use this guideline when considering religious exploration attendance.
Note that there are hand sanitizers available in the Program Building and Sanctuary. The custodial staff will wipe down hard surfaces with a disinfectant solution daily and there are bottles of solution for your use on Sunday morning. Also check the UUCF Web site and email messages for flu alerts. UUCF will follow Fairfax County guidelines when deciding when to upgrade our flu precautions.
Thank you for your consideration in keeping UUCF and the community healthy this fall!
- Natalie Fenimore, Director of Religious Exploration, and Andrea Wells, Parish Nurse
Web Links
UU&me Magazine for kids, from the Church of the Larger Fellowship
Church of the Larger Fellowship Web site with resources for parents
