Many of us have been tracking the flu virus closely. Schools are planning for potential closings due to the spread of this flu. As a provider, I also need to determine how to handle patients that become ill as well as my own potential for illness and the health of my own family. As it is better to be cautious, I am asking any patients that do not feel well to please call as soon as possible and cancel the appointment. The Center for Disease Control recommends that individuals with flu-like illnesses stay home at least 24 hours after they are fever free (100 F) without the use of fever reducing medicines. If you are caring for a sick child, please make that sick child your priority and cancel any appointments. I will also be responsible for my potential flu-like symptoms, and in the event of becoming sick (or my children are sick at home), please allow me the courtesy of rescheduling your appointment. I will make every effort to reschedule your session for the next possible date I return to work. If needed, I will accommodate my rescheduled appointments on weekends. Until this particularly potent flu season has passed, let’s be aware of one another’s needs to be home. If you are living with someone with flu-like symptoms, the CDC estimates an eight to twelve percent chance of you becoming sick with the same virus. Once you have contracted the virus, you may not have symptoms for up to one week after initial exposure. The CDC also reports that the flu virus cal live on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.

Again, please do not hesitate to contact my office to cancel at any time, should you or your child feel ill.

Thank you