H1N1 News

September 9th, 2009

We wanted to update you on our continued efforts to prepare for the upcoming flu season. We are working closely with our local health authorities to plan for any possible impact of the influenza virus, now called pH1N1.  As with all broad-based community health issues, we rely on local health authorities for advice and guidance.

Flu can spread easily from person to person. Therefore, our Board and our schools are taking steps to reduce the spread of flu. We want to keep schools open to students and functioning normally during this flu season. But, we need your help to do this.

Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) includes sudden, severe respiratory (breathing) symptoms with fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius, or higher) and cough, plus one or more of the following symptoms; sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, or weakness. Children under 5 may also have gastrointestinal symptoms, with or without fever.

The Board’s comprehensive pandemic response planning is centred on working closely with our local Public Health Units to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning schools. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

We want to reassure you that:

•    We are ready to take whatever action health authorities recommend. At this time they have given no additional directions regarding the operation of our schools. Normal school days and activities are in effect.

•    Our schools are emphasizing with students the importance of regular, thorough hand washing and good personal hygiene, which we teach students during every flu season.

•    We have moved forward with our established pandemic preparedness planning.

•    Our custodians are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting our schools, as well as taking extra prevention measures.

•    We are encouraging everyone to wash hands well and often with soap and warm water, and use “cover your cough” techniques. This includes coughing into your sleeve or arm.

•    As always, we are asking students and staff who are ill to remain at home until they are feeling better. If you are experiencing severe flu-like symptoms, please contact your doctor or a health professional.

As the flu season approaches, we will do everything we can to keep our schools functioning as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help.

•    Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water. You may practice as a family.

•    Teach your children not to share personal items such as drinks, food or utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues. Encourage them to cover up their coughs or sneezes using their elbow, arm or sleeve instead of their hand when a tissue is unavailable.

•    Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius, or higher), cough, sore throat, sore muscles, joint pain, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have     diarrhea.

•    Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with a fever at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected. Please have an emergency plan for child care if your child becomes ill or experiences Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).

•    Do not send children to school if they are sick. If your children are sick at school, we will ask you to come get them.

For further information on the Pandemic pH1N1 2009 Influenza Virus:

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
www.hkpr.on.ca/
1-866-888-4577

Durham Region Health Department
www.durham.ca
1-800-841-2729