INFORMATION SHEET ABOUT H1N1 AND OTHER INFLUENZA TYPE ILLINESSES

Please note the following recommendations 

·       Stay home when sick:  Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.

·       Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:  The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention:  stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).

·       Routine cleaning:  School staff will routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use.  Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.

·       Early treatment of high-risk students and staff:  People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.  Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.  People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

·       Separate ill students and staff:  Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home.