January 16, 2026 - AAPS Experiencing High Levels of Illness
Dear AAPS Families,
AAPS is experiencing high levels of student illness across many schools. Illnesses include Influenza A and B, influenza-like illness, and norovirus. Please follow the guidance in When to Keep Your Child Home from School for any illness your student may have.
Below is information about the current status of flu and norovirus, and steps you can take to protect your students and yourself.
Flu (Influenza) Fact Sheet (PDF)
Influenza cases in AAPS and Washtenaw County are at high levels and increasing, and flu-related hospitalizations are at high levels. Flu can cause mild to severe illness in children.
Steps you can take to protect your student and family:
· Get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is recommended for all children and adults without contraindications starting at 6 months of age. The flu vaccine reduces risk of infection and protects against severe illness. Visit How to Get Your Flu Vaccine for local resources.
· Know the symptoms. Symptoms include feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny, or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and fatigue. Some may have vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children.
· Stay home (keep your child home) if you are sick.
· Help your student practice good hygiene, such as covering their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough and washing their hands often.
· If your student is experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider to discuss testing and other steps.
· More information about preventing flu and severe flu illness is available here.
If your family has been ill with vomiting and diarrhea, chances are that norovirus is the cause.
· Know the symptoms. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, body aches, diarrhea, headaches, low grade fevers, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually last 24-48 hours.
· Keep your child home for at least 24 hours after symptoms have ended.
· Help your student practice good hand hygiene, in particular washing hands often.
· More information about Norovirus, including how to prevent transmission, is available here.
Let’s stay healthy together,
Jazz Parks
Superintendent