Dear Parents/Guardians:
We have been notified of a confirmed case of novel H1N1 influenza (Swine flu) in the Enfield Public Schools. The district received word of the confirmed case at Kennedy Middle School on Friday, June 12. The student has been out of school since June 3. The student’s symptoms are mild and will return to school upon clearance from the doctor.
Our District’s plan for handling a confirmed case of H1N1 is based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, we confered with the North Central District Health Director and the School Medical Advisor.
Students and staff with influenza-like symptoms (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home for at least 7 days, even if symptoms resolve sooner. Everyone is asked to follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza including frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. School closing is not advised for a confirmed case of H1N1 and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of student and staff absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
All schools in the District are on the alert that the H1N1 virus is present in Enfield and surrounding communities. We are asking everyone to follow the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.
If you have questions, please contact the school nurse at 763-8829.
Sincerely,
Paul K. Newton
Principal
If your child is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, it is important that he or she remain home until the child has gotten better and has been well for two days. In order to reduce the spread of germs, you should avoid taking your children to public gatherings such as the mall or sporting events while they are sick. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce the risk of getting the flu and how to protect others from infection. A one-page fact sheet, Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs is attached for your information.
General tips for decreasing the spread of germs include:
· Most important: washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. Gels, rubs and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
· Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if a tissue is not available, the crook of the arm).
· Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
· Carefully dispose of the tissues in a wastebasket, and then wash your hands.
· Do not share drinking cups or food.
We are consulting with local health officials regarding best cleaning practices for infection control in our buildings should a case of swine flu occur.
While the current situation does not warrant school closure, if a confirmed case of swine flu is reported in a school, we may close that school for several days. We will communicate with you immediately in the event of a school closure.
If schools are closed, students should be kept home. Avoid visiting public gatherings or making arrangements for your children to visit a friend’s home, group childcare, or another settingthat will put them in close contact with other children. We understand that this may be a challenge for your family, and recommend you plan ahead in case of a school closing.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.
Below are some additional links regarding the Swine Flu: