This letter is to inform you that the new H1N1influenza virus has continued to cause illness in our state throughout the summer. To date, illness severity has been comparable to seasonal influenza. It is anticipated that this new influenza will circulate along with the seasonal influenza viruses this fall and winter. We realize that some people are concerned about this new influenza and schools. We hope this letter will help address those concerns.
At this time, the state and local health departments have advised us that students can continue to come to school, as long as they are not sick with an influenza-like illness or have flu-like symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include fever (100 degrees F. or higher), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms may be experienced with influenza, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.
Flu spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else — such as group child care, the mall, or sporting events — where other people would be exposed to flu germs. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.
-Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
-Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
-Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
-Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve — not your hands!
-Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.
NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Novel H1N1 (swine flu) is a type of influenza virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread among people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States have had milder illness, but some have had more severe illness and some people have died from it.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
A vaccine to protect people from the novel H1N1 virus is expected to be available in the fall of 2009.
Spread of this new influenza virus is thought to happen in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Infected people may be able to infect others from one day before they show any symptoms to seven or more days after they become sick. That means you may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as when you are sick.
To protect yourself, your family members and others around you, follow these flu prevention tips:
•Get vaccinated against influenza when the vaccine becomes available.
•As always, if you are sick you should say home from work or school to avoid spreading the infection to others. Stay home until 24 hours after fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medication.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
•Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs often are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
•Wash your hands frequently.
Contact your doctor if you are experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting.
For more information, visit www.ndflu.com.
May 1, 2009; updated Aug. 18, 2009
What are the symptoms of H1N1 virus (swine flu)?
Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, tiredness and body aches. Some people may have diarrhea and vomiting.
Is it safe for my child to attend school if a case of H1N1 influenza had been indentified at the school?
Because this virus appears to cause similar illness as seasonal influenza, healthy children can attend school as they would during seasonal influenza. Reducing the risk to the students and staff of a school requires that the community follow the recommendations outlined in this document. If your child has an underlying health condition, you may want to consult with your health-care provider.
When should I keep my child home from school?
Answer these questions:
1.Does your child have fever (100o Fahrenheit or higher)?
2.Does your child have a sore throat or cough?
If you answered “yes” to either question 1 or 2, keep your child home from school! Your child might have the flu.
How long should I keep my child home from school?
If your child has fever and any of the other symptoms, keep your child home for 24 hours after fever has subsided without fever-reducing medication. This guidance also applies if your child became ill prior to school starting this fall.
If you answered “yes” to only one of the questions above, or if your child appears ill with other symptoms, keep your child at home at least one day to observe for other symptoms and until completely well for 24 hours.
Should I take my child to see a health-care provider?
In most cases, people with H1N1 infections have been recovering at home just fine. Use the same judgment you would use during a normal flu season. If you would not usually see a health-care provider for the symptoms your child has now, you do not need to see a health-care provider. Call your health-care provider if your child has an underlying health condition such as asthma, diabetes or a compromised immune system or is ill enough that you would normally see a health-care provider. If your child complains that his/her chest hurts, is having difficulty breathing, has skin and lips that are turning blue, or is becoming dehydrated, seek medical care immediately.
Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).