With the flu season now upon us and the nation continuing to experience a critical shortage of flu vaccines, it's more important than ever that school staff, students and school visitors take extra precautions to prevent or minimize a flu outbreak.

Traditionally, school staff members who come in close contact with students have been urged to get an influenza vaccine. This year the recommendation is modified, however. If you or any of your colleagues has a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, we recommend that you follow CDC recommendations and get vaccinated if possible. Also, pregnant school employees should be vaccinated.

For those who can't be vaccinated, there are still basic precautions that should be taken, both at school and at home:
• wash your hands frequently, and wash for at least 15 seconds;
• encourage other staff and students to also wash their hands frequently, both at school and at home;
• dry your hands with a disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet;
• use alcohol gel (60 percent to 90 percent) when you can't wash your hands;
• encourage students to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing/coughing and have a sufficient supply of tissues available in the classroom;
• take care of yourself—eat nutritious meals, exercise and get plenty of sleep;
• follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations that anyone suffering from respiratory symptoms and fever stay home—a good all-around school policy to prevent the spread of influenza.

See also the AFT fact sheet on hand washing, which is adapted from recommendations of the CDC.