DISTRICT NEWS & PR |
H1N1 - Swine Flu
October 28, 2009
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CUSD 10 News
October 28, 2009 |
With the focus on the 2009 H1N1 flu ("swine flu") heightening in our community, the CUSD #10 would like to provide information to parents and community members seeking additional details about this strain of flu virus and related district procedures.
Most importantly, understand that we are continually monitoring student and staff health and are in contact with local and state health officials regarding protocols for those who have flu-like symptoms or upper-respiratory illnesses. The ISBE, Madison County Health Department and Regional Office of Education are other channels that are continually providing information in an effort to be prepared to respond in an appropriate and coordinated manner as flu cases arise in our schools. We will continue to work with these officials, as well as monitor information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to ensure the well-being of our school community.
At this time there are no laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in our school district although there are several cases of Influenza A that doctors are diagnosing and treating as H1N1. We continue to monitor the immediate impact of these cases on student attendance and activities. Overall, absenteeism has increased in our district. However, as a district, we encourage your educated awareness of the H1N1 flu virus and the need for proper hygiene to prevent children from getting the virus or spreading the virus should a case occur within our communities. Please understand that this is an evolving situation and the district will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Collinsville Unit School District #10
Procedures for Flu-like Illnesses
The following procedures are recommended by the Center for Disease Control for schools and the Illinois State Board of Education regarding flu-like illnesses for students and staff.
Stay home when ill:
Those with flu-like illnesses should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if using antiviral drugs. Report any illness to the school nurse or principal. A doctor’s note regarding absence or permission to return to school is recommended.
Active screening:
Check students and staff for fever and other flu-like symptoms if they appear ill. These staff and students should be sent home if fever 100 degree F or greater, and stay home until 24 hours after fever free without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Hand hygiene:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is recommended in the absence of soap and water. It is also recommended to use hand sanitizer as often as possible throughout your daily routine.
Respiratory etiquette:
It is recommended to cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, shirt sleeve, or bend of elbow. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose.
Early treatment of high-risk staff/student:
People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illnesses should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medication is very important for people at high risk. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.
Routine cleaning:
School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. Wiping desk tops, door knobs, light switches, telephone receivers, and other appropriate hard surfaces is recommended. Daily cleaning of health rooms is necessary.
Additional Resources: www.isbe.net - www.cdc.gov - www.idph.state.il.us
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