PREVENTION AND SPREAD OF THE FLU:
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly • Flu viruses can survive 2 hours or longer on surfaces • Remind your students frequently to “cover” when they cough or sneeze • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website (www.cdc.gov) has a Flu Prevention Podcast that schools can show to their students: “All you have to do is wash your hands.” SYMPTOMS: H1N1 Flu symptoms usually develop 3-5 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms continue for approximately 7-8 days from first sign of illness. • Fever • Cough • Sore Throat • Body aches • Headaches • Chills • Fatigue • Diarrhea • Vomiting Immediate arrangements should be made to send anyone who becomes ill home at the first signs of the H1N1 or other Flu symptoms. Keep them isolated until they can be sent home. Anyone who becomes ill with H1N1 Flu is contagious for 24hrs before symptoms appear and remain contagious until the fever subsides, or approximately 7-8 days from the first development of the symptoms. Those who have been ill should remain at home an additional 24hrs after the fever subsides. TO CLOSE, OR NOT TO CLOSE, SCHOOLS: See “Flu school closing: Any benefit? What’s the benefit of school closing when there’s a flu outbreak?” A short report prepared by the Mayo Clinic Staff to help School and District Administrations determine when, and if, it is appropriate to dismiss schools during a H1N1 Flu outbreak. A printable copy, or multiple copies, of this article can be accessed at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/school-closing/AN02001 TOOLKIT: The CDC has prepared a Toolkit - “Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12)” that provides basic information and communication resources to help School Administrators implement recommendations from the CDC’s “Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year.” www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/toolkit/. |
H1N1 Flu
K-12 Schools and School Districts Information for School and District Administration |