CDC has narrowed the definition of an illness for which children with influenza-like illness should be excluded from school. The new definition is fever together with cough and/or sore throat. MDH defines fever for this exclusion to be greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit. It is suggested that students or staff who are developing symptoms of a respiratory illness including a runny nose, stay home for at least one day to observe for other symptoms.
Children or staff who have fever, together with cough and/or sore throat, are considered to have an influenza-like illness (ILI) unless an alternative diagnosis (for example, "strep throat") is made. CDC continues to recommend that children or staff with an ILI stay home for seven (7) days or 24 hours after the resolution of acute symptoms, whichever is longer.
Although this virus appears to be acting like seasonal influenza in terms of severity and spread, it is important to remember that it is a new virus and there are people who are at high-risk for influenza-related complications and are not protected by vaccination.
Please continue to check for additional or updated information at the MDH website (www.health.state.mn.us) or the CDC website (www.cdc.gov).
