H1N1 Influenza Information
by Becky Melton, RN
September 16, 2009
Update from the school nurse:
October 7, 2009
Click the following link for helpful hints on being prepared for the flu in your home:
*The Dade County Health Department will only be giving the seasonal flu shot to high risk children. They will not be bringing the seasonal flu shots to Dade County schools.
*The public will be notified when the details of the H1N1 flu shots are available. Currently, the Health Department does not have the H1N1 flu shot.
*The Health Department may get more of the seasonal flu shots at a later date.
You've probably all heard quite a bit about the new H1N1 flu virus. The school is taking action to be prepared for any potential outbreak of this virus as well as the regular seasonal flu.
Please watch your children for signs of the flu. Those signs and symptoms are:
* fever
* headache
* muscle aches and pains
* fatigue
* coughing
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* in children you may also see nausea and vomiting
These symptoms may be more severe with the H1N1 Flu than they are with the regular seasonal Flu.
Remember a person who has the flu is usually contagious at least one day before they ever develop signs and symptoms of illness. That is one of the reasons why it is hard to control the spread of this illness. People may be contagious and not know it for a day or so. You may come in contact with another person who looks and feels well, yet they are contagious. That is why good hand washing, and/or use of hand sanitizers is your best defense against getting the flu.
* Protect yourselves. Wash your hands the right way by wetting your hands, applying the soap and scrubbing all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds, rinse your hands thoroughly, then dry your hands, preferably with a paper towel.
* Protect others. Cover your coughs and sneezes; throw away used tissues after one use.
* If you are sick, stay home. DO NOT return to work or school until you have been free of a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
* Please teach your children to do the same.
* The Health Department strongly encourages getting the regular seasonal Flu shot.
* Stay informed. You can get the latest and most accurate information regarding the H1N1 flu at the following web sites:
* www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
* http://www.dhss.mo.gov/BT_Response/_H1N1Flu.html
Or you may contact the Dade County Health Department at 417-637-2345.
The school will keep you informed of any changes or issues on an ongoing basis.
