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An Episcopal, co-educational 100% boarding school in Middletown, Delaware for grades 9 – 12

Flu Season 2025-2026

Flu Prevention and Response at St. Andrew’s 

We closely monitor local, regional, and national influenza trends. Preliminary reports for 2025-2026 indicate an earlier-than-usual onset of flu activity, and some reports suggest increased severity. Out of an abundance of care, we are implementing heightened prevention strategies. As cases of influenza increase on campus, we will implement the following measures:

  • Education and emphasis on proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette (“cover your cough”).
  • Increased cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting routines across campus.
  • Improved ventilation in common areas where possible.
  • Protecting time for the thorough cleaning and disinfection of the dining hall.
  • Making adaptations to other school activities and routines, such as meals and events.
  • Offering Tamiflu prescriptions, with parent/guardian approval, if students present within the requisite 48-hour window.

Isolation Expectations 

Even with robust preventative measures, some community cases of flu are anticipated, and we are hopeful that some students can recover at home. Students who reside within a six-hour drive of St. Andrew’s will be sent home to recover, and families should plan ahead for this expectation. (Given the significant number of our students who live far away, we would deeply appreciate the ability of any family to host additional students.)

Should your student present with a test-confirmed or clinically diagnosed case of influenza, a nurse from the Health Center will contact you. You may receive additional communication from others to coordinate logistics.

Precautionary Measures at Home 

As an additional precaution, we urge you to consult with your student’s primary care provider about the possibility of securing a course of Tamiflu to bring back from Winter Break, since Middletown pharmacies ran out of Tamiflu last year during our flu season. If you choose to procure Tamiflu in advance, we would hold it in the Health Center and contact you for consent before administration.

We strongly encourage you to consider the influenza vaccination for your student if they have not yet received it. While one of the currently circulating flu strains may still cause breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals, the protection conferred against severe illness and hospitalization remains vital.

If your student is exhibiting any symptoms of illness, email the Health Center immediately, and do not send your student back to campus. We will then reach out to discuss plans for a safe and healthy return to campus. If you have questions, please email Annette Rickolt APRN, director of health services.