"Please disseminate and implement the 'Seasonal Influenza Prevention and Control Handbook (Revised Edition, December 2023)' announced by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Considering the current prevalence of influenza in the country and the approaching winter vacation, in order to effectively prevent and reduce the risk of campus transmission, in addition to the aforementioned handbook, please follow the instructions in the letter with reference number 1110089052 issued by the Ministry of Education on September 15, 111, and implement various influenza prevention and control measures according to the 'Guidelines for Influenza Prevention and Control in Schools/Kindergartens/Cram Schools/Child After-School Care Services and Centers' as follows:
(1) Implement the principle of 'Sick individuals should not attend classes or work': Infected individuals should wear masks, follow appropriate rest, hydrate, and receive treatment as instructed by a doctor. Communicate with parents as much as possible, and allow students to stay home for rest until symptoms are relieved for 24 hours before returning to school.
(2) Strengthen health education for faculty, staff, students, and parents: Establish good hygiene habits: Encourage regular handwashing, pay attention to hand and respiratory hygiene, and practice cough etiquette. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated public places as much as possible. Wear masks if respiratory symptoms are present. When sneezing, use a tissue or handkerchief to cover the mouth and nose, or use the elbow. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter when talking to others. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Engage in moderate exercise, get enough sleep, and maintain a balanced diet. Be aware of danger signs and seek medical attention promptly: Educate individuals with influenza symptoms to seek medical attention promptly if they experience difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, cyanosis (lack of oxygen, lips turning purple or blue), bloody or thickening sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood pressure, or persistent high fever for 72 hours. Encourage influenza vaccination and remind teachers and students that if they travel to areas with infectious diseases during the winter vacation or participate in academic exchanges, they can assess the need for vaccination or seek advice from a 'Travel Medicine Clinic.'
(3) Provide appropriate equipment and support environment: Provide sufficient and appropriate handwashing facilities and supplies, keep classrooms clean and well-ventilated, maintain spacious areas, and regularly implement environmental cleaning and disinfection as needed.
(4) Implement epidemic monitoring and reporting: Keep track of and pay attention to students' health and leave status. In case of abnormal leave situations, contact parents to understand the reasons. If suspected cluster infection events occur, report to local health authorities and submit a school safety report. Cooperate with local health authorities in conducting epidemic investigations, etc."