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Fact Sheet

The local school district has asked for a handout that they can give to families to help prevent sick students from coming to school. Your colleague hands you a first draft.

Message Clarity

Instructions: Read through the following possible messages and select the ones that need to be revised for clarity and comprehension.

1. Influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission.

Sorry.

This message is filled with too much jargon.

Good job!

This message is filled with too much jargon.

2. You’re most contagious while you’ve got a fever and for 24 hours after the fever is gone

Sorry.

This message is clear and understandable.

Good job!

This message is clear and understandable.

3. Uncomplicated influenza illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of constitutional and respiratory signs and symptoms (e.g., fever, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis)

Sorry.

This message uses too much jargon.

Good job!

This message uses too much jargon.

4. Check to make sure your child is well before school or childcare each day.

Sorry.

This message is clear and understandable.

Good job!

This message is clear and understandable.

5. If indicated, follow school exclusion rules.

Sorry.

This message is too vague and needs to use everyday language.

Good job!

This message is too vague and needs to use everyday language.