Information for Students and Parents
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Some things to know about the flu
During the spring of 2009 a new flu virus started making people sick in the United States and throughout the world. At first this illness was called "swine flu," but now you may hear it called H1N1 flu. Although most people affected with the H1N1 flu virus have experienced mild to moderate illness, over 10,000 people in the U.S. have died from complications caused by H1N1. Both seasonal and H1N1 flu can be very serious illnesses, and many more people may get the flu this school year.
What can you do?
As of December 10, 2009, H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone and anyone over the age of six months can and should get the vaccine. For the best protection, get the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as you can.
It is particularly important for people most vulnerable to H1N1 flu to get vaccinated. This includes pregnant women, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, health care workers, emergency medical responders, persons ages 6 months-24 years, and people 25-64 years old who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. Because seasonal flu may be around at the same time as H1N1 flu, you should also get the seasonal flu vaccine if it is available to you
Sick kids should stay home! They should NOT go to school, work, or out in public. If you think you have the flu, you should stay home and away from others. Individuals with flu-like symptoms should remain home for at least 24 hours after fever has disappeared (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
Practice healthy habits. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue – not your hand. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash and rub hands for 20 seconds – as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Why get vaccinated now; isn't flu activity declining?
Typically, the most flu activity in New York State occurs from January through March and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now with both seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine will provide protection for you against flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.
Flu in our school
We expect that some people in our school will get the flu. Treatment for the H1N1 flu is the same as for seasonal flu. Rest, fluids and medicine to reduce body aches and fever, are all that most of us need to recover. For people with certain underlying medical conditions, such as those with asthma and other chronic diseases, flu can be more serious, and these individuals should contact their health care provider.
About school closures
The H1N1 flu outbreak that first occurred in the spring of 2009 taught us that closing schools does not reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu. This flu moves too fast. That's why federal, state and local officials no longer recommend school closures due to the flu except in special circumstances. For example, some schools might close because of high student, faculty or staff absenteeism. Your family should plan what they will do if school is closed for a time.
More information about the flu is available at www.nyhealth.gov and www.flu.gov.
