H1n1_message 10-8-09

Sharon E. Liddell, Ed. D. Superintendent (707)528-5181 Fax: 528-5440 E-mail: [email protected]

10-8-09 SANTA ROSA CITY SCHOOLS’ H1N1 UPDATE As we promised in our earlier H1N1 information, we are providing updates and recommendations on H1N1 flu from Dr. Mark Netherda, Sonoma County Health Department. H1N1 flu is a novel virus caused by the combination of an avian virus, a swine virus, and a human virus. The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and tiredness. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting with H1N1 flu. Anyone with severe or prolonged symptoms should contact his or her doctor. H1N1 flu has been active in our area throughout summer and fall and is being treated in the same manner as seasonal flu. The regular seasonal flu is expected to begin shortly. Vaccine for the regular seasonal flu shot is available now. Vaccine for H1N1 in the nasal spray is available now; the shot form of vaccine is expected to be delivered in mid-October. To decrease the spread of the flu: • Anyone who exhibits flu-like symptoms should be sent home immediately whether they are adults or children. The sick student or adult should be seated away from others at a distance of about 6 feet while waiting to go home and encouraged to sneeze/cough into his or her elbow. If the separation of 6 feet is not possible and the sick student or adult continues to cough or sneeze without using his/her elbow, a surgical mask may be used until they go home. Once the sick student or adult is wearing a mask, he/she is to remain in the office until picked up to go home and to discard the mask as leaving. (The student or adult should not return to class or leave the office wearing the mask.) On a limited basis, the surgical/face mask may prevent the sick person from spreading some germs but still does not prevent acquisition of the virus. • Sick children and adults should stay home until 24 hours pass with a normal temperature (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C) without the use of fever-reducing medications. Then, they can return to school or work. (Students or adults who are working in environments with medically fragile students should remain home 7 days, including the 24 hours free from fever without fever-reducing medication.) • Everyone should cough or sneeze into his or her elbow. • Children and adults should wash hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also very effective. • Children and adults should avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth as germs spread this way. • Routine cleaning practices should be used. The virus only lives for two hours on surfaces so routine cleaning will take care of it. Schools involved in an epidemic will be closed under the orders of the Health Department in concert with district officials. (Up to now, this has been a rare occurrence, but we want you to know we are working closely with the Sonoma County Health Department.) We will keep you updated as we receive more information. 211 RIDGWAY AVENUE ♦ SANTA ROSA ♦ CALIFORNIA 95401-4386