H1N1 Information and Precautions
With local, state and federal authorities predicting a potential outbreak of cases of H1N1 Influenza A - commonly referred to as “swine flu” - Lemont High School is taking precautions in order to best prevent any cases from affecting its students or staff. Lemont High School committed to maintaining the safety and well being of everyone in its school community.
Lemont High School administrators are in contact with the Lemont Emergency Management Association (LEMA), and the school is being updated concerning any recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding this issue. The school will consult the IDPH in the case of a confirmed diagnosis of H1N1 among the school’s students or staff. Per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lemont High School does not intend to close school if one of its students or staff is diagnosed with a confirmed case of H1N1.
Lemont High School’s nurse is monitoring all student absences and illnesses, and is in contact with the parents of any student who recently has been absent more than two days to inquire about his or her symptoms. This step is being taken to help keep the school community free from the virus. Prior to the concerns about H1N1, Lemont High School had already instituted measures such as the posting of signs reminding people to wash their hands and the installation of alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout the school. Additionally, tables in the school’s cafeteria are sanitized after every lunch period. The IDPH has not recommended additional cleaning measures beyond what Lemont High School already performs on a regular basis.
Parents, students and the surrounding community are encouraged to review the following information, ranging from when a student should stay home from school, to diagnosing H1N1, to how it is transmitted, to what Lemont High School encourages its students, parents and staff to do in order to prevent an outbreak.
WHEN SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL?
Parents are advised to keep their children home if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, and have them avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours to avoid spreading the illness. Students and staff should not return to school until they are fever-free for 24 hours.
HOW IS H1N1 DIAGNOSED?
H1N1 can only be detected through a swab of the nose and throat by trained medical personnel. A person may be infectious one day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after symptoms are first manifested or as long he or she shows symptoms of the illness. It is important to remember that the H1N1 virus is simply a version of the flu.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those associated with seasonal flu - cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose, general fatigue and muscle spasms. Anyone who has a fever greater than 100 degrees is encouraged to call his or her physician immediately. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea have accompanied the typical flu symptoms; severe cases have progressed quickly to a pneumonia-like illness, which included shortness of breath and difficult breathing.
TRANSMISSION
As with any strain of influenza, H1N1 is most often spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by an infected individual. Again, parents are advised to keep their children home if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, and have them avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours to avoid spreading the illness. Parents should report any confirmed flu-related absence to the school and provide details concerning the student’s symptoms.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
The best way to avoid contracting H1N1 is by taking universal precautions to prevent the spread of germs and practicing good hygiene:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds. Use waterless alcohol-based gels (containing at least 60 percent alcohol) when soap is not available.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the tissue in a wastebasket. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not into your hands.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
4. Practice good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
FLU SHOTS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine for children, from ages six months old to 18 years, as the first and most important step to protect again seasonal flu. Please note that the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 flu virus.
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IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Illinois Department of Public Health
Cook County Department of Health
H1N1 Questions?
If you have a question concerning Lemont High School's precautionary measures against an outbreak of the H1N1 virus, please contact School Nurse Bobbe Fash at (630) 243-3231.
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