H1N1 UPDATE  from Mona Nashman-Smith, Superintendent
September 8^th, 2009

We have had students and teachers who have been sick with flu like symptoms (mainly sore throats).  While we appreciate parents informing us of their children’s illnesses, I am obliged to insist on a written medical confirmation before a diagnosis of H1N1 can be cited in any of my communications.  In spite of this formality, the WHO reports that H1N1 is now the dominant virus strain in the seasonal flu cases.  The report states:

Evidence from multiple outbreak sites demonstrates that the H1N1 pandemic virus has rapidly established itself and is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world. The pandemic will persist in the coming months as the virus continues to move through susceptible populations. Close monitoring of viruses by a WHO network of laboratories shows that viruses from all outbreaks remain virtually identical. Studies have detected no signs that the virus has mutated to a more virulent or lethal form. Likewise, the clinical picture of pandemic influenza is largely consistent across all countries. The overwhelming majority of patients continue to experience mild illness. Although the virus can cause very severe and fatal illness, the number of such cases remains small.

ABA is following these steps during this flu pandemic crisis:

·         Educate and encourage students and staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Also, provide them with easy access to tissues and running water and soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners.  Remind them to cover coughs or sneezes using their elbow instead of their hand when a tissue is not available.

·         Remind teachers, staff, and students to practice good hand hygiene and provide the time and supplies for them to wash their hands as often as necessary.

·         Send sick students, teachers, and staff home and advise them and their families that sick people should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).

·         Clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, or pens, with cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas.

·         Move students, teachers, and staff to a separate room if they become sick at school until they can be sent home.

·         Encourage early medical evaluation for sick students and staff at higher risk of complications from flu.  People at high risk of flu complications who get sick will benefit from early treatment with antiviral medicines.

·         Stay in regular communication with local public health officials.

In discussion with the Ministry of Health, ABA will continue its normal school operations but we ask parents to cooperate in the following ways:

When Should I Keep My Child At Home?  Please keep your child at home if s/he develops symptoms of influenza that include a fever (37.8 C), cough, sore throat, body aches and/or difficulty breathing.  Seek medical intervention immediately if the fever spikes over a six hour period.

How Should I Take A Temperature?  First, always check a temperature before taking fever-reducing medicine or at least six hours after taking fever-reducing medicine.  The most accurate way to check a temperature is to use a digital thermometer orally.  Place the thermometer under the tongue back by the last molar.  Remember to check an oral temperature at least 20 minutes after food or drink.  You can also check under the arm but it is not as accurate.  An ear or tympanic thermometer is also an option.  Remember to follow the directions carefully as the angle of the thermometer placed in the ear is important to get an accurate reading. 

If My Child Is Going to Be Absent, Who Should I Tell?  Please contact the central office and leave a message either on the school’s answering machine or talk directly to Ms. Ann Smith (ext. 207) or Mrs. Ruby Topen (ext. 208).  The school nurse may return your call and ask more specific questions about your child’s illness and may be able to provide additional advice. 

How Long Should My Child Stay At Home?  We ask that you keep your child at home for 24 hours and only send him/her back to school after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  We would also strongly advise parents to keep their children away from public areas and avoid visitors as well until your child has recovered completely. If the fever persists after the first 24 hours, we would ask that you keep your child at home for five to seven days (this is in keeping with WHO and the Ministry of Health guidelines).

If one person in the family is sick, does that mean that everyone else has to stay away from school as well?  Family members of sick students are not required to stay home unless the flu condition of the sick child is determined to be severe, including a fever lasting for two or more days.  If the flu condition becomes more severe, than we recommend the student stays home for seven days and family members remain home for an additional five days.  This five-day period provides enough time to know if anyone else is sick with the flu.  Parents should continue to monitor their health and the health of the sick children, as well as the health of the other children.  You should always consult a doctor if the condition worsens or if your child has asthma, immune system disease, heart problems or may be at risk for severe influenza symptoms.  If they develop shortness of breath or difficulty breathing you should take them immediately to the emergency ward of the nearest hospital.

You can stay connected with accurate and up-to-date information by visiting the following sites: Centers for Disease Control:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu   World Health Organization: www.who.int

ABA will endeavor to keep you well informed of any further developments regarding the H1N1 virus through our weekly newsletter, SMS messages, and our website.