McCracken County Public Schools

McCracken County Public Schools

August 5, 2009

Dear Parent or Guardian:

You may have noticed information in the news recently related to the H1N1 (Swine Flu). Influenza is a contagious disease. At the present time, with the information known, symptoms of H1N1 influenza should be treated the same as seasonal influenza.

To prevent widespread influenza in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. The following guidelines will assist you in determining whether or not to send your child to school. Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

· very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough

· mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

· headache

· mild stomach ache

People with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) can shed the virus and be contagious for more than 24 hours after fever goes away. Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:

· fever (greater than 100 degrees by mouth; your child should remain at home for at least 24 hours after he or she is free of fever or feverishness without the use of fever-reducing medications)

· vomiting (even once)

· diarrhea

· chills

· general tiredness or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches

· frequent congested (wet) or croupy, dry cough

· lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

· sore throat

· trouble breathing

If your child has any of the above symptoms, you should talk to your health care provider by telephone. Your health care provider will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.

To help prevent the spread of influenza, teach your family good hygiene habits:

· Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds or the length of the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

· Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth.

· It is not necessary to disinfect beyond routine cleaning.

· Regularly clean areas and items likely to have frequent hand contact.

· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with paper tissue or use bend of elbow. Discard tissues immediately after each use and then wash hands.

· Do not share eating utensils, drink from the same cup or share toothbrushes.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not accessible (Use 1/2 teaspoon or nickel-size equivalent. Parents may purchase travel-size hand sanitizer for students to bring to school.)

Influenza is most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child should remain home for at least 24 hours after he or she is free of fever or feverishness without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Often, when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin), it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not he/she should go to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. You also should limit other siblings of all ages from further contact with the child who has the prescribed symptoms. Limiting attendance to other social gatherings (outside of school) also will be helpful in decreasing risk of exposure to the virus. Contact your health care provider for advice on your child’s condition.

If your child has the signs and symptoms mentioned previously, please indicate this to the attendance office staff or leave a message on the recording message for absentees. This information will help in working with the local health department to identify and assist families with resources for possible cases of influenza.

Any changes in the above information will be sent to you from your school administrative office.

Sincerely,

Superintendent