The vaccine for th H1N1 flu is expected to be shipped very soon and our
school will be a vaccination site.
A parent letter, consent forms and information sheets about receiving the
H1N1 vaccination will be sent home to elementary students today. A global
connect will be sent to both elementary and secondary parents. Information is
on the district webpage. The completed consent forms should be returned by
Friday, October 23, 2009. You must fill out the consent forms correctly-if
any information is missing your child will not be able to receive the
vaccination. If you have any questions about the flu, contact your
pediatrician.
Remember that influenza is a viral illness that is characterized by
fever, chills, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough and common cold
symptoms. What differs from the cold is the rapid onset of symptoms--one
minute you're fine, and the next you feel like you need to go to bed. The
fevers tend to be higher and last longer than those of a cold.
Your best defense is prevention. And the best prevention is handwashing,
handwashing, handwashing. Teach your children how to wash their hands
correctly (they should scrub for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday"
slowly.) Also, teach them to cough into their elbows, not onto their hands
when they cough. Try the following Health Department web site to get
additional information. http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/handwashing.shtml
Go to http://www.sayboototheflu.com to find other prevention ideas,
information and games for the children. Or try the CDC web site
(http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm) to get a complete explaination
of the flu, it's causes and how to prevent it. The more you know, the better
you and your family will weather the flu season.
DID YOU KNOW? If you have a cold and you cough without covering your mouth,
the spray of mucus droplets contains the cold virus. This virus can survive
for as long as 48 hours on a surface spreading the infection to others.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call me at 732-613-6873.
Some important points to remember:
* Those with healthy immune systems who contract H1N1 flu will feel
miserable for a while, but should recover fully.
* Antivirals have been shown to be effective and shorten the course of the
H1N1 flu.
* The Lawrence Brook teachers are reinforcing the importance of proper
handwashing, and coughing and sneezing into the crook of the elbow, to limit
the spread of infections.
This is the information given out by the Middlesex County Health Department.
This should answer any questions you may have. Please call me with any
additional questions or concerns you may have.
H1N1 Influenza (Flu) 4-09
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
· The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular
human flu and
include:
o Fever
o Cough
o Sore throat
o Body aches
o Headache
o Fatigue
o Chills
· Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.
H1N1 Influenza (Flu) 4-09
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
· Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one (1) day before
symptoms develop and up to seven (7) or more days after becoming sick.
· That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before
you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
· Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the
treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
· You can take these everyday steps to protect your health:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you get sick with influenza you should stay home from work or school and
limit contac with others to keep from infecting them.
· Facts about the current H1N1 flu event can be found on the MCPHD website at:
http://co.middlesex.nj.us/publichealth/hot-topics.asp
Where can I find additional information about the H1N1 flu?
· Middlesex County Public Health Department Hotline: 732-745-4344
· http://www.cdc.gov
· http://www.state.nj.us/health
Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
THE STUDENT COUNCIL HAS DONATED A BIKE RACK (SOON TO BE INSTALLED) TO THE
SCHOOL WITH THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SCHOOL STORE AND THE BIRTHDAY CART.
They are also donating "recess packs"-a collection of various balls, jump
ropes, frisbees, etc., for each grade level. The collection for each grade
will be a different color, and they will be storred in a large ball locker,
which has also been donated.
Thank you to all the children and parents who have participated in the school
store or the birthday cart. Your purchases are helping our school.
CARBON MONIOXIDE POISONING KILLS
With the colder weather comes the concern for Carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning. CO is a odorless, colorless gas that deprives the body of
oxygen. Exposure can produce headaches, sleepineess, fatigue, confusion and
irritability at low levels. At higher levels, it can result in nauseea,
vomiting, irregular heartbeat, impaired vision and coordination and death.
* Have CO detectors in your home especially near sleeping areas.
* Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
* Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually.
* NEVER us charcoal indoors or in areas with inadequate ventilation.
* Use the correct fuel in kerosene heaters.
* DO NOT idle the car inside the garage.
If you suspect CO poisoning, call the Poison Help Hotline (1800-222-1222) for
immediate treatment advice. The hotline is accessible 24 hours per day, 7
days a week.
CONTACT ME ANYTIME AT 732-613-6873, OR at lseligman@ebnet.org.
*EVERY FRIDAY IS HAT DAY FOR A CHILDREN'S CHARITY THAT WILL BE DETERMINED BY
THIS YEAR'S STUDENT COUNCIL. FOR $.25, YOUR CHILD MAY WEAR A HAT OF THEIR
CHOSING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, AND THE MONEY WILL BE COLLECTED DURING THE
YEAR AND SENT TO A CHARITY.
NEW IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 5TH GRADERS GOING INTO HAMMARSKJOLD:
1. DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS AND PERTUSSIS VACCINE (Tdap)after the
10th birthday before entering Grade 6.
2. MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE before entering Grade 6.
A notice from the Supervisor of Student Services, Dr. Mary-Anne Love will be
sent out to all 5th grade students with all of the information about the
needed vaccines. You may also contact your child's doctor to make an
appointment for what is needed. Please take care of this in a timely manner,
and you will have no problem at the start of school in September.
IMPORTANT NEWS TO PARENTS OF PRE-SCHOOLERS
The NJ department of Health is requiring the following additional
immunizations for preschool children:
1. PNEUMOCOCCALcONJUGATE vACCINE (PCV) before the child enters school.
2. INFLUENZA VACCINE between September 1 and December 31, annually.
A notice for the Supervisor of Student Services will be forthcoming.
