H1N1 Flu
K-12 Schools and School Districts
Information for School and District Administration
PREVENTION AND SPREAD OF THE FLU:
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Flu viruses can survive 2 hours or longer on surfaces
• Remind your students frequently to "cover" when they cough or sneeze
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website (www.cdc.gov) has a Flu Prevention Podcast that schools can show to their students: "All you have to do is wash your hands."
SYMPTOMS:
H1N1 Flu symptoms usually develop 3-5 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms continue for approximately 7-8 days from first sign of illness.
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
Immediate arrangements should be made to send anyone who becomes ill home at the first signs of the H1N1 or other Flu symptoms. Keep them isolated until they can be sent home. Anyone who becomes ill with H1N1 Flu is contagious for 24hrs before symptoms appear and remain contagious until the fever subsides, or approximately 7-8 days from the first development of the symptoms. Those who have been ill should remain at home an additional 24hrs after the fever subsides.
SCHOOL DISMISSAL MONITORING SYSTEM:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U. S. Department of Education have established a School Dismissal Monitoring System to report H1N1 Flu-related school or school district dismissals in the United States. The CDC have requested all school dismissals related to the H1N1 Flu be reported by using a special Dismissal Form available online. The form can be completed quickly online, or downloaded and submitted by email or fax to the CDC School Dismissal Monitoring System.
Questions & Answers
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How long does my child have to stay out of school? |
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Students should be kept at home an additional 24hrs after symptoms and fever have subsided.
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How long does it take for symptoms to develop? What are the symptoms of Swine/H1N1 Flu that I should watch for in my child? |
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Symptoms usually develop 3-5 days after exposure to the flu virus. Symptoms will continue for approximately 8 days. Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting are the primary symptoms of the H1N1 Flu. See your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms, especially after travel and exposure.
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If my child comes home ill from school, how do I prevent other members of my family from contracting the H1N1 Flu? |
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If students become ill, keep them home. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Flu virus can survive 2hrs or longer on surfaces. Avoid crowds. To reduce exposure within a family designate one person to care for the one that is sick. A person who becomes ill with H1N1 Flu is contagious from 24hrs before symptoms develop and until all symptoms subside - approximately 7-8 days.
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What are the treatments / home remedies for caring for a child with the H1N1 Flu virus? |
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See your doctor immediately if your child develops symptoms, especially after travel and exposure. Children should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest / sleep, take pain relievers upon advice of their personal physician (such as Tylenol or Advil). Do not give children aspirin.
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RESOURCES
Where to find reliable up-to-date information on the Swine / H1N1 Flu
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Flu school closing: Any benefit? What's the benefit of school closing when there's a flu outbr
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**This web page was created and edited by Coach Toon. This information was prepared by SchoolCenter (September 2009)
