Chimacum Middle School

Swine flu H1N1 is spreading across Washington State as predicted and has reached the Olympic Peninsula.   Jefferson County has its first confirmed case.  The significance of one confirmed case is that there most certainly are more.  It is expected the Olympic Peninsula will see a rise in the number of cases.

The patient is recovering and is no longer contagious.  Most cases in our state have been mild with complete recovery and no need for hospitalization.  However, it is important for schools to actively help prevent the spread of this virus.

Schools in our state have experienced outbreaks because children and adolescents are more susceptible to this new virus.  Older individuals appear to have some immunity from seasonal flu strains that circulated in the past.  Please be aware that it is likely schools will see an increased number of students with flu symptoms that may be caused by H1N1 virus.  Nearly 70% of confirmed H1N1 cases reported in King County to-date are among school aged children (5-18 years).

Please follow these guidelines:

1) Parents need to closely monitor their children for signs of flu-like illness and not send ill children to school.  Please review the following parent handouts and guidelines:

• H1N1 Swine Flu: When to keep your child home from school.
• Flu Symptoms Checklist for families and school staff.
• Cover Your Cough

2) Any child who has a fever (temperature over 100 degrees F) and a sore throat or cough must stay home for seven days after symptoms start or until they are completely well for one day, whichever is longer.  If the child is still sick after seven days, the child needs to stay home until completely well for 24 hours.  Swine flu can also present with diarrhea and vomiting.  Children and adolescents with these symptoms also need to stay home.  Adults who are ill should likewise stay at home until completely recovered.

3) If a student is identified with the above symptoms while at school, they must not return to class and must go home.  If there is a delay a parent picking  up their child, the student needs to be isolated in a separate room, provided with tissues and a wastebasket, and reminded to cough into a sleeve or tissue and to wash their hands;

4) Respiratory and hand hygiene are highly effective at preventing spread of influenza.  They must be used consistently by all staff and students to be effective.  Washing hands before eating is especially important.

5) Please report absences of 10% and above to Marty Johnson, RN 385-9442 or call the general health department number and ask for the communicable disease nurse on call 385-9400.

carrier to noise ratioThank you for all your assistance in the effort to help contain the spread of H1N1 Influenza.  Please call a Jefferson County Public Health CD nurse on call with questions or concerns, 385-9400.

Additional information for schools:

Public Health Seattle-King County news release 5/21/09: Increased illness  shows need to keep sick children home

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/news/2009/09052101.aspx

Article about swine flu and schools in the Times today:  Swine flu hitting local school kids

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009249747_flu22m.html