H1N1 Swine Flu Information for Parents of LSSD 381 Students

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

The Lake Superior School District 381 is sending this message to keep parents up to date regarding the H1N1 novel influenza (formerly known as swine flu).

Although there are no probable or confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in our region, LSSD 381 receives daily updates from the MN Dept of Health, and is taking all appropriate steps to identify suspect cases of illness and implement preventive measures to reduce risk of disease transmission. Although the H1N1 virus appears to be causing mild influenza symptoms in the USA, influenza can shift in severity, so ongoing monitoring and steps to prevent spread is indicated

Students, parents and staff are also encouraged to take an active role in limiting the spread of infection, by using the following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines:

• Each morning, parents and caregivers should assess all family members and especially school-age children for influenza-like illness (fever over 100 F by mouth, and recent onset of runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough).

· School staff will assess themselves for influenza-like illness.

· Students or staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not attend school for at least 7 days even if their symptoms resolve sooner. If after 7 days, the student or staff continues to have acute symptoms, he or she should stay home until 24 hours after these symptoms resolve.

· District School Nurses will observe students and staff for influenza-like illness at school.

· Students and staff who are ill will be removed from the classroom and sent home.

· If a student or staff is ill with other symptoms, they should stay home at least one day to observe how the illness develops.

· Students and staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not go into the community unless they need medical care. Ill students should not attend extracurricular activities, community activities or child care.

Other practical infection control measures:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue close by, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hand.

Clean your hands – Wash hands often, and/or use liquid hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with your hands. This is a very common way that viral infections are transmitted.

Let the school nurse know if your student has signs of possible influenza, or other communicable disease.

For additional and reliable information regarding the H1N1 Novel Influenza use the following online resources:

MN Dept of Health - www.health.state.mn

Click on H1N1 Novel Influenza Information

Or

Call the MDH Influenza Hotline with questions: 1-800-657-3903

You also may call your child’s school nurse, if you have questions or concerns.