Spring-Ford Area School District

CDC Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents

Pennsylvania Website Specific to H1N1

Pennsylvania Health Department

Montgomery County Health Department

Montgomery County Health Department Back to School Packet

Spring-Ford Area School District H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions

Is attendance down at any school in Spring-Ford School District?

Each day student attendance data is monitored by both the building nurses and the District’s Coordinator of School Nurses. Attendance is reviewed in each building and in each grade level. We look at the information for trends in which the absence rate is high over a series of days, rather than looking at a one-day spike in illness.

At most schools the absentee rate is somewhat higher than it was last year at this time. At schools where attendance is down, we have collaborated with the Montgomery County Health Department to assess the situation. It is important to note that The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has advised K-12 schools to remain open during the flu season and to take preventative measures to keep students healthy.

Are there any confirmed cases of HINI in the Spring-Ford Area School District?

Pennsylvania is one of 41 states reporting widespread flu activity at this time. We are certain that our school community has been affected as well. Please know that the District is actively monitoring student attendance and illness and is tracking the occurrence of flu-like symptoms. The Montgomery County Health Department is also collecting reports of “flu-like illnesses” from area schools. However, many health care providers are not testing for HINI and when they do test for the strain; results are often reported after the student returns to school.

How does the H1N1 flu spread?

Influenza viruses primarily spread from person to person via respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets can be propelled into the air at great speeds, making their way to the mouths, or noses of others nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person accidentally touches respiratory droplets – on an individual or an object – and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose.

What is Spring-Ford doing to prevent the spread of the flu?

• Educating and encouraging students and staff to practice good cough etiquette.

• Reminding teachers, staff, and students to practice good hand hygiene.

• Sending sick students, teachers, and staff home and advising them to stay at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine. (Not everyone with flu will have a fever; please check with your health care provider.)

• Cleaning surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and water fountains with recommended cleaning agents.

• Encouraging early medical evaluation for sick students and staff.

• Staying in regular communication with local public health officials.

Will Spring-Ford be administering the H1N1 vaccine?

Spring-Ford has registered with the Pennsylvania Health Department to be a partner in providing the H1N1 vaccine to our students. We have not yet received confirmation that we will be approved and, if approved, how many vaccines will be available to Spring-Ford students. We will provide detailed information on how the Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Program will be implemented within our school community when it becomes available.

As always, we encourage you to consult with your health care provider with any additional questions you may have regarding the H1N1 flu.

PA Department of Health - Press Release

HARRISBURG - The Secretary of Health Monday released guidance on Novel H1N1, also known as swine flu, for elementary and secondary schools in an effort to keep kids and staff healthy and flu-free this school year.

"The most important message for parents is that sick children should not go to school. The same applies to teachers and staff. If you are sick, the best place to be is at home," said Secretary of Health Everette James.

"Pennsylvania schools should take steps to prepare for swine flu this fall and winter because this virus has had a significant impact on children between the ages of five and 19 years. The revised guidance provides recommendations to mitigate the impact of influenza in schools, as well as limit the spread once flu is identified among students or staff members," James added.

The department's guidance is compatible with recently released recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The guidance is meant to limit the spread of influenza while reducing disruption to schools.

Hand washing, cough etiquette and keeping the environment clean can also significantly help reduce the spread of disease.

The Department of Health is recommending that those who are sick with influenza-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever and are no longer taking medication to reduce the fever. In most cases of flu, this means three to five days after the onset of illness.

The Department of Health strongly encourages school districts to work closely with local or state health officials to determine the best course of action should an outbreak happen.

The departments of Health and Education are holding a series of webinars with school districts across the state to talk about the new school guidance and to share what is expected this coming school year.

"We will work closely with schools and child care facilities to help them be on the lookout for children showing signs of influenza and have appropriate response measures in place," Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak said. "School district officials should also maintain close contact with their local health departments and make every effort to share flu prevention information to families."

Symptoms of the new influenza virus are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Many people with this infection also have runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes, and some also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Individuals with the flu are contagious to others. It is important to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:

- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;

- Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;

- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;

- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and

- Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.

The Department of Health will continue to provide guidance to parents and the schools, including information on the development and availability of the Novel H1N1 flu vaccine, as the influenza season progresses.