A few words about H1N1

September 2, 2009—As we prepare for the opening of school, we need to address precautions for dealing with the potential of invasive infection with the H1N1 flu virus. Common sense must prevail and the school and community need to work together to identify occurrences, minimize contagion, and prepare for the maintenance of a healthy environment for all members of the Voorheesville community. The following habits are noted as successful deterrents of the spread of influenza:

• Wash hands. Children will be encouraged to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue that should be disposed of properly.
• Watch for fevers and other signs of illness. If a child has a fever, keep him or her home.
• Keep children home if they are feeling ill, even if they do not have a fever in the morning.
• If adults are ill, they need to stay home.
• Children or adults manifesting symptoms will be sent home.

Precautions in school:

• Hand-washing will be practiced diligently.
• There are hand sanitizers in classrooms and in common areas, including the cafeterias, the lockers, the hallways.
• Children will be encouraged to use appropriate hygiene in the classroom and in the cafeteria.
• Surfaces will be cleaned thoroughly each day.
• Nurses will monitor and record symptoms.
• Website and other communication tools will provide updates if and when conditions change.

We are all in this together and, while we want to maintain a cautious and conscientious approach to preventing the spread of illness, schools are focal points for the spread of germs. We will work hard, with your help, to maintain a healthy environment. We will also be monitoring instructions from the Health Department on a daily basis and if conditions change we will be alerting the school community.

The resource we are using and which is available for your review is http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm
 

Dr. Teresa Snyder
 

Visit the district's H1N1 section on this Web site