Fall, 2009
**WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU (H1N1)**
* First identified in the U.S. in April, 2009
* Children are being affected by this flu outbreak, mainly because
in their short lives thus far, they have not yet been exposed to a
similar virus lilke many adults have been. You should understand
that so far most of the cases have been mild.
Some complications have occurred but mainly in people with chronic
health conditions who have contracted H1N1.
* A vaccine is expected to become available this Fall
- it is anticipated that it will be in a 2 shot series
* SYMPTOMS OF H1N1:
**fever of 100 deg. F or greater
**cough
**runny nose
**sore throat
* WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A FEVER OF 100 OR GREATER WITH A SORE THROAT
OR COUGH:
**PLEASE STAY HOME.
**You should keep your child with fever of 100 or > associated with
a cough or sore throat home until THEY HAVE BEEN FEVER FREE
FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS WITHOUT THE USE OF FEVER REDUCING
MEDICATIONS. (yes, this is different than the recommendations
in the spring of 2009).
**If you are sick, PLEASE do not come into school to volunteer.
**Please call me in the health office if you are not sure
whether or not you should send your child to school.
* PREVENTION:
**The best way to prevent the spread of H1N1 or other illnesses is:
1. Wash hands often with soap and water (especially after
coughing and sneezing)
2. Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
(If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your arm
or sleeve- NOT YOUR HAND.
3. Stay home and away from non family members if you are ill.
* All of the Wappingers District school nurses are in frequent contact
with the Dutchess County Health Dept. and district administration
regarding any health concern and will continue to follow the
recommendations of the Health Department.
* As updated information becomes available, I will make it available
to you.
December, 2006
Is It a Cold Or The Flu?
(courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
SYMPTOMS COLD FLU
fever rare Usual; high (100-102 degrees
occasionally higher, esp.
in young children);
lasts 3-4 days
headache rare common
general aches, pains slight usual; often severe
fatigue, weakness sometimes usual; can last up to 3 wks.
extreme exhaustion never usual; at the beginning
of the illness
stuffy nose common sometimes
sneezing usual sometimes
sore throat common sometimes
chest discomfort, cough mild to moderate; common; can become severe
hacking cough
TREATMENT antihistamines antiviral medicines--
decongestant see your doctor
nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory meds
PREVENTION Wash your hands annual vaccination;
often; avoid antiviral meds--
close contact w/ see your doctor
anyone w/a cold
COMPLICATIONS sinus congestion bronchitis, pneumonia;
middle ear infect. can be life threatening
asthma
October, 2006
The New York State Department of Health has initiated a “Keep Your Germs To
Yourself” campaign. The campaign takes a common sense approach to limiting
the spread of germs.
With the upcoming winter and flu season, the number of cases of respiratory
illnesses is expected to rise. Our eyes, noses, and mouths are particularly
easy germ and disease targets as we often touch them without even realizing
what we are doing.
Here are some everyday tips to reinforce at home as we will at school to help
stop the spread of germs:
1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
3. Put used tissues immediately into a wastebasket.
4. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
5. Stay home if you are sick.
6. Avoid close contact with sick people.
It is a proven fact that GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICE DECREASES THE SPREAD OF GERMS.
