As Greenville ISD and area school districts deal with an outbreak of influenza that has impacted student attendance, the district is reinforcing some time-held tips for preventing this and other, more common illnesses.

The district is doing everything possible to protect the health of its students.  The Hunt County Health Department remains watchful along with regional, state and national health authorities, and information is constantly being provided to local medical community partners and schools.

Parents can help out in prevention efforts, too, by taking everyday steps to help prevent the spread of all flu viruses. These include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.  Teach your child to take these actions too.

• Try to keep your child from having close contact (about 6 feet) with sick people, including anyone in the household who is sick.

• Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.

Symptoms of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea.  Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their family physician/health care provider.