N1H1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Dear Parents,

As students return to campus activities it is possible that students may be exposed to a Type A flu that could potentially be the H1N1 flu (Swine flu).  Please be aware that physicians are not required or is it CDC’s recommendation to confirm H1N1 flu by extensive testing.  If the flu sample taken by the physician indicates type A flu it is being treated as if it is the H1N1.  While this relatively new (novel) flu has generally been mild and most individuals recover without incidence it is highly contagious and has been known to cause serious complications thus students experiencing flu like illness should seek medical attention for testing and treatment.  Flu like illness symptoms are: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and extreme fatigue. Your assistance in monitoring for flu like illness and taking active precautions will help to prevent the possible spread of this flu.

The following are measures that can prevent exposure to flu:

• Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like illness 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 they are using antiviral drugs. (For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.)

• Separate ill students and staff: Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be separated from others until they can be sent home.

• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).

• Routine cleaning: At home and at school, surfaces that are touched often should be  routinely cleaned by typically used cleaners. Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary. (At IISD measures are being taken to ensure cleanliness of contact surfaces).

• Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.  Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk to prevent serious illness. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

To assist in preventing the spread of this flu, Irving ISD will be taking part in flu surveillance activities.  Your cooperation with monitoring and reporting to Health Services if your children experience flu like illness will enhance the ability to report accurate case numbers to City and County Health Departments.

Mary Kay Hartley RN, MSN.
Director of Health Services
Irving Independent School District
mhartley@irvingisd.net