News & Press Releases

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update and Precautionary Measures Information

In the May 1, 2009 issue of the ICS newsletter, we reported the following information pertaining to the H1N1 flu outbreak:

"The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) are closely monitoring cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. As of this writing, 3 cases have been identified in Indiana. At this time, the Marion County Health Department (MCHD) recommends that schools continue to follow our standard school policies regarding when to send sick children home. Swine influenza A (H1N1) symptoms appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza, including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D., reminds parents not to give children with flu symptoms aspirin, or aspirin-containing products, to alleviate fever, as it can put them at risk for Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal disease that causes numerous detrimental effects to many organs, especially the brain and liver.) The H1N1 virus is believed to spread in the same ways as seasonal influenza – from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food."

All the preceding information provided by the federal, state, and local agencies remains current as of this date.

Our school nurse, Brooke Robeson, RN, BSN, suggests the following precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu – which, you should note, are identical to those we recommend during the annual flu season:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than into your hands, if a tissue is not available.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

For the latest information on the H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indiana State Department of Health websites.

Posted Mon May 04 at 12:03 pm