Dear Parents,
While we are expecting to see students and staff become ill with the 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu this season, we are already responding and planning to help keep our schools safe and healthy.
Updates on H1N1 (swine) flu
- 2009 H1N1 influenza is a subtype of the seasonal flu. Since the spring, H1N1 has not proved to cause more severe complications or hospitalizations. It has however, persisted thru the summer, affecting more people, in particular more young people, but in a relatively mild manner.
- Use heath care wisely. If flu symptoms are mild or uncomplicated, do not seek medical care, as there will likely be no treatment or testing done. If you or your child do have underlying health conditions (asthma, pregnancy, etc) and become ill with the flu, do call your physician to discuss a plan of care.
- Testing for H1N1. In the physician’s office, Influenza A can be tested, but can not be differentiated to confirm the specific strain of H1N1. However, healthcare providers may diagnose based on symptoms, that the flu you or your child has is likely the H1N1, because of its predominance this season. Severity of symptoms will guide treatment.
- Vaccination. There will be plenty of the H1N1 vaccine; however it may be initially restricted to high risk groups (healthcare workers, pregnant women). Vaccines will likely be available in mid-October. Adults and children 10 years and older, will only require one dose. RSD is in the planning stages of hosting a community vaccination clinic in partnership with the Public Health Department.
Riverview School District response and planning
- Schools will
provide time needed for all students and staff to wash hands
frequently.
This may be implemented differently in each building and/or classroom,
depending upon facilities and resources available, teacher preference,
and age of students.
- Hand washing/sanitizing is necessary after using the bathroom, after recess and PE, and before eating. To remove germs from hands, 20 seconds of rubbing with warm water and soap is required.
- Alcohol based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) and wipes are acceptable if soap and water is not available, but washing with soap and water is best.
- Encouraging
students and staff to stay home if they are ill.
- Students and staff with flu-like symptoms (a fever of 100 or more and a cough or a sore throat), should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Students or staff found to have flu-like symptoms at school will be separated until they can be sent home, this may include having the ill student or staff wear a mask.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces continues as usual. Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, switch plates, and keyboards may be cleaned more often as needed.
- Facilitate timely
and accurate communication.
- District Nurse Kristin Uselman, is in close, frequent contact with the Department of Health and updates district administration regularly.
- Related information can be shared with families and staff via constant contact and the RSD website.
- District newsletters, staff meetings, and PTSA meetings may have agenda items pertaining to the H1N1 flu.
- Health status of our students and staff remains confidential, but we are reporting absenteeism rates to the Department of Health regularly.
Below are 2 newly released documents from the Department of Health, for you and your older children to read at home regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu.
Home with Flu, a 2-page comic-strip with tips about planning for back-up childcare, recognizing flu symptoms, and knowing when to contact a health care provider.
Quick Flu Tips for Parents and Caregivers is a 1-page sheet with tips on how to avoid getting the flu, how long to stay home when sick, and explicit details about when and when not to see your doctor, ask for a lab test, or request antiviral medication.
In good health,
The Riverview School District Nursing Team
For more information on the Swine Flu in general, please visit any of the following Web sites: