As you probably know by now, a new type of flu is currently being seen in Kansas and throughout the United States.  Because the H1N1 flu virus, also referred to as the swine flu, was not seen until earlier this year, not one has natural resistance against it.  In a short time the virus has spread to more than 160 countries in every continent, and in June 2009, the World Health Organization declared that a pandemic, or global epidemic, had begun.

Fortunately, illness from this virus is usually mild and only lasts a few days, although in some cases severe disease and death can result.  So far, most cases have occurred in children and young adults and some of those have needed hospitalization. 

The symptoms of this flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu.  They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.  Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.  People with other medical problems, and women who are pregnant, are at especially high risk of serious complications.

Schools can be easy places for flu viruses to spread.  We are currently working with the Riley County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the other Riley County School Districts to take steps that will limit the spread of this virus.  We are also in the process of completing our own District’s Pandemic Influnza Preparedness Plan.

So what can parents do to help with this issue?

1. Keep children who are sick at home.  Don’t send them to school or take them anywhere else except to receive needed medical care.  Ill children should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
2. Plan for the possibility that you will be called to bring your child home from school if he or she gets sick while in school. 
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and insist that your children do the same.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. 
4. Wash hands - wash hands - wash hands!  Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol based hand cleansers will also work.
5. Remind your children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Make sure your children practice good health habits.  See that they get plenty of sleep, get exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and eat health foods. 
7. Stay informed. Watch for possible flu vaccinations and information from the Health Department and from USD #384.

I want you to know that the Blue Valley School District will do as much as possible to be prepared for an H1N1 flu outbreak this fall and winter if one occurs.  We will keep you informed of any new information we might receive and keep you updated about our procedures contained in our plan dealing with this virus.  By working together we can help make our school as virus-free as possible.