H1N1 Information
August 20, 2009
H1N1
What is it?
Earlier referred to as Swine Flu is a new influenza virus causing mild to severe illness in people. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird and human genes.
Is it Contagious?
YES!
It spreads from human to human by way of airborne particles from coughing or sneezing. People can become infected by touching something the virus is on and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. The virus is thought to be able to stay alive on surfaces of books and desks and other objects for up to 8 hours.
All in all it is comparable to the seasonal flu.
Signs
and Symptoms
Fever
(10 %– 40% do not get a fever)
Cough
Sore Throat
Runny Nose
Stuffy Nose
Body Aches
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!
Wash Hands!
(20 seconds with soap and water)
may use alcohol based hand sanitizer
(rub together until dry)
Contain your coughs and sneezes!
These airborne particles can travel 3-6 ft.
Used tissues should be disposed of correctly and immediately after use!
Stay healthyby eating balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest and exercise!
If you do get sick, stay home for the appropriate amount of
time to avoid infecting others!
When can I come back to work or school?
Newest guidelines state that after 24 hours of being fever free or free of signs of a fever (without fever reducing medication) you may return. This also goes for those on antiviral medication!
If working in the healthcare setting or with high risk populations, the individual should stay home at least 7 days or until all symptoms are completely gone (which could be longer).
High risk populations include…
Pregnant women
Diabetics
Asthmatics
Those with Heart and Lung Disease
All children in general are high risk!
Some ideas to keep your household healthy.
Have the kids wash their hands and change their clothes upon entering the home.
Teach your family members to contain their coughs and sneezes either with a tissue or elbow or their shirt.
Immediately dispose of used tissues.
Routine cleaning of all surfaces touched by anyone.
Encourage all family members to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. Little one’s whose hands are in their mouths all the time, just keep them clean. Keep toys clean.
Instead of High 5’s, give an elbow bump!
Give a nod or wave instead of a hand shake!
We really can reduce the ability for the flu to spread by following these simple steps.
Good resources to keep you updated on Flu information.
KDHE Hotline
1-877-427-7317
8 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri
email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov
or visit
or
or
http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/index.html
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU MAKE ARRANGEMENTS SO THAT YOUR CHILD DOES NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL 24 BEING FEVER FREE AND FREE OF SIGNS OF FEVER, ( WITHOUT USE OF MEDICATION)!!!!!
What we can do at school!
Routine cleaning is very important. Desks, keyboards, phones, counter tops, door knobs, etc…
Stay on top of the children and staff about good hand washing and use of hand sanitizers.
Limit or do away with high 5’s, hand shaking.
Bump elbows instead!
Avoid hugs (find new ways to show affection)!
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
Make a game out of it in class to help the kids get used to not touching their face!
Space the students out more if able.
What to do when flu arrives?
Consider holding classes out door when weather permits!
Keep same group of kids in one classroom, Rotate teachers instead!
Eat lunch in classrooms to avoid large crowds in lunchroom during peak of flu season.
If there are exceptionally large classes, consider moving to a larger space to hold class to provide more space between kids.
Schools should have a plan for other staff to help out when there is an over abundance of sick children.
Children with high risk conditions may consider staying home to avoid becoming ill. Teacher and parents should discuss a plan in advance for ways for students to continue education while at home.
School trips may be postponed.
Will School Dismiss?
It is not recommended at this time. It would be in the most extreme case that the school would need to close. The government advises to close for 5 – 7 calendar days if this should ever need to occur.
A lot of complications could arise in the community if this should happen.
Will the kids actually stay home or are they going to go to the mall?
Are all the parents able to make arrangements for their children during this time?
Can they afford to miss work?
Two kind of dismissal
Reactive – in which it might be appropriate cannot maintain normal function when a significant portion of students have documented fever at school despite recommendation to keep ill children home.
Preemptive – can be used proactively to decrease the spread of flu. CDC may recommend this if the flu starts to cause severe disease in a significantly larger proportion of those affected.
