H1N1 (Swine) FLU INFORMATION
by Debbie DeVoe
Updated H1N1 (Swine Flu) information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
As you are aware, an outbreak of a new flu virus (H1N1) is circulating in several countries, including the United States. Most U.S. cases have not been severe and are comparable in severity to seasonal influenza (flu).
The CDC, local and state health officials continue to closely monitor the severity and spread of this new virus.
At this time the CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread in schools is early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene. Decisions of school closure will be at the discretion of local authorities.
Recommendations from KDHE:
- School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case. In general, closure is not advised for multiple cases unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function.
- Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days, even if symptoms resolve sooner.
- Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Students, faculty and staff who appear to have influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be sent home promptly.
- Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
The new recommendations focus on keeping potentially infectious persons out of schools, rather than suspending classes. This means that school-aged house-hold contacts of confirmed or probable cases must continue to be advised not to return to school for 7 days after the last sick person in the household is no longer infectious.
At this time students and staff are encouraged to take normal precautions to avoid the flu:
- Frequent hand-washing with soap and running water for 20 seconds is essential in reducing the spread of disease.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with hands.
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue/sleeve for sneezing, coughing.
The situation will continue to be monitored closely, information is being provided daily to the school district by local and state health agencies and the CDC.
More information regarding H1N1 (swine) flu is available at http://cdc.gov/swineflu,www.cherokeecountyks.org and www.kdheks.gov)
