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H1N1 Flu

Recommendations from Tri-County Health

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Novel H1N1 influenza, previously known as "swine flu," is a new virus that was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.  The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, and/or sore throat.  The majority of novel H1N1 influenza cases so far have occurred in people between 5 and 24 years old, and several outbreaks have occurred in school settings.

Influenza spreads easily.  If you suspect your child is getting influenza, keep your child home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without fever-reducing medications.  A fever is defined as 100°F or 37.8°C.

It is also important to teach your children how to reduce the risk of getting influenza and protect others from infection.

• Clean hands frequently.  Washing with hot and soapy water for 20 seconds is ideal.
• Use hand sanitizer if hand washing facilities are unavailable.  Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.  Cough or sneeze into your sleeve--not your hands!
• Contact your healthcare provider for information about the H1N1 influenza vaccine and the seasonal influenza vaccine that will be available this fall and winter.
• Look for additional information from the school on where your children can be vaccinated against H1N1.
• Get your children vaccinated with both seasonal influenza vaccine and the H1N1 influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

If we all practice good hygiene, we can limit the spread of both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza in schools.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.