There are been several elementary students with flu-like symptoms. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, although one parent was told by their PA that their child probably had H1N1. Several parents and teachers have expressed concern.
I am attaching a letter that we are sending home with elementary students today, and it will be posted on the school website, ptoviding information about what to do to prevent the spread of influenza.
Dear Parents,
We are writing to inform you that there have been several cases of influenza in the Bancroft-Rosalie elementary school. So far there has been no confirmed case of H1N1 influenza within the school, but many physicians are treating flu-like symptoms as possible, or probable, H1N1 influenza. This letter will give you information about the situation and will help to answer any questions that you may have in regards to this.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, students who are not ill can safely come to school. We will keep you updated with any important information.
It is of utmost importance that we all do our parts to keep the flu from spreading to more people...we ask you to keep sick children home. Children can safely return to school after being ill if they have a fever less than 100°F without the use of fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours. Any children who are sent to school sick, or who become ill during the school day, will be sent home immediately.
In consultation with Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, there are ways that you can protect yourself and your family against H1N1 flu. Some of these ways include:
- Keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school.
- Teach your children to wash hands a lot with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
- People who are sick should stay home from work or school and stay away from other people until they are better (symptom-free, including fever-free, for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication).
You can get more information from Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department online at www.elvphd.org or call 1-402-529-2233 or toll free at 1-877-379-4400.
Recommendations may change as we move forward. In the event that there are recommended changes, further communication with parents can be expected.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jon Cerny, Superintenden
