Hello,The purpose of this letter is to
communicate with you regarding the H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu)
and how Central Columbia is addressing the concerns. With the cooperation of
our parents, we can minimize the overall impact of the flu virus.
H1N1 is spread the same way seasonal flu spreads; by airborne particles
caused by coughing and sneezing and/or by touching something with the flu
virus then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Please talk with your children
about preventative measures such as; washing their hands thoroughly and
frequently, covering their mouth when coughing and sneezing; preferably by
covering with their elbow, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth,
getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a quality
diet.
Central Columbia is taking steps to reduce the spread of infections like
the flu. In addition to the above mentioned recommendations, hand sanitizer
will be made readily available and surfaces that are frequently touched or
handled will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. If a child is sick, he or
she will be sent to the school nurse who will communicate with you about
possibly taking your child home.
Please be aware that new guidance from the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) now stipulates that a student with the flu will
need to stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without
the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.). In most
cases, this would be anywhere from three to five days that your child would
need to be kept home from school.
While school closure will remain an option, the current recommendations
are to take such an action only if there is evidence that other measures are
not working. Central Columbia will work closely with the local and state
health departments in making decisions. Situations will be individually
evaluated to assure the best course of action is taken to protect the
children and school staff as well as minimize the burden and impact on
affected families.
Many of you have questions about the availability and use of vaccines.
Recently, persons between ages five and 24 were identified as a priority
group to receive the vaccine against the new flu strain. The Department of
Health estimates the first doses of the new vaccine will be available in
October and details of distribution of the vaccine will be forthcoming from
the Department.
We also expect to see illness due to the seasonal (or regular) flu in the
coming fall and winter. The seasonal flu vaccine has been recommended by the
Department of Health for all school-aged children and is especially
important for children with underlying health problems (like asthma and
diabetes), since these conditions increase the risk for flu complications.
Information on the flu, and how you can protect your family, is available
at
.
For further information, contact your child’s school, your local health
department or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Your child’s health and education are very important, and we hope to
partner with you during the school year to assure that both are achieved at
the highest levels. Thank you for your assistance.
Please contact your physician, the above listed websites, the PA
Department of Health, or the school nurse with questions.
Sincerely,
Harry C. Mathias, Jr.
Superintendent
Top 10 Tips for Preventing the Spread of Flu
1. Keep your child home from school or day care when he or
she is sick.
2. Allow your child to return to school only when fever-free
for at least 24 hours (no longer having a fever without use of
fever-reducing medicines).
3. Cover your cough. Cough into your upper sleeve or into a
tissue and discard properly.
4. Properly dispose of used tissues and other soiled items,
and wash your hands after doing so.
5. Wash hands frequently and regularl y, or use hand
sanitizers when water is not readily available.
6. Regularly clean and disinfect areas and items likely to
have frequent hand contact.
7. Contact your health care provider when your child or
other family member is sick with the flu (symptoms include fever, cough,
sore throat , runny nose, headache and body aches).
8. If you are not able to stay home with your child, plan
ahead for how he or she will be taken care of when sick at home or if school
is closed.
9. Have your child vaccinated against the flu every year.
10. Stay informed through www.health.state.pa.us, www.cdc .gov,
or www.flu.gov.
For questions, call1-877-PA-HEALTH.
