Although it is hard to miss school and school work, children should not be at school when they are
sick!
Children should be kept at home if they have a fever, are experiencing vomiting or nausea, and are
fatigue or weak.
In school children will routinely be washing their hands before meals and after bathroom use. To
keep from getting sick children should also be washing their hands upon arrival at home and after
playtime.
"Pigs can't fly, but swine Flu!"
Flu season is approaching us and the swine flu is expected to resurface this fall! Listed below is some
helpful information to keep you and your child safe this flu season. The best protection is to have
your child vaccinated for the seasonal and swine flu!
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses
are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.
Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with
flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected
with
this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a
result of illness associated with this virus.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1
day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children
and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with
alcohol-based hand cleaner*. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and
warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-
based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most
supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need
water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for more information on swine flu!
