Honeoye Falls-Lima Central
School District
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
A Guide for PARENTS

Frequently asked questions about:
H1N1 (swine flu)
What is the flu?
The flu (influenza) is a highly contagious seasonal infection of the respiratory tract, caused by a virus, and spread by droplets. Symptoms may include sore throat, cough, fever, muscle pains, runny nose and weakness. These symptoms together are called Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 is a new type of flu virus also referred to as “Swine Flu.” It mostly has similar symptoms listed above, possibly with vomiting and diarrhea. The virus usually runs its course in one week with an excellent recovery. Rarely, severe ILI symptoms occur in certain people  with existing medical conditions.
Who is at most risk?
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5 years old
• People over 65 years old, especially with medical conditions
• People with asthma
• People with other chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.
• People with immune deficiency
• Obese individuals
What happens if your child shows symptoms at school?
• If your child has a fever PLUS another flu symptom, like cough or runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, the child will be excluded from school. For now, the established exclusion is 24 hours after the flu symptoms are gone, fever free off medicine, and ready to learn.
• If a child is excluded, you will be called immediately to pick up your child. It is important that you do this to avoid exposing other children to germs.
Protect/educate your child to:
• Use good cough & sneeze etiquette; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, and throw the issue in the trash.
• Wash hands often for 20 seconds with soap & running water, especially after a cough or sneeze, after toileting, before eating, or if dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Alcohol hand cleansers work; avoid getting on face or in mouth or eyes.
• Follow public health advice
• Develop a “Flu-Planning checklist”, including plans for childcare if schools must close, stocking of food, medicines, and supplies.
• Avoid contact with sick people
What if my child gets the flu?
1. Keep your child home from school!
2. Notify the school nurse.  Please inform the nurse of your child’s specific symptoms.  Example:  Degree of temperature, sore throat, chills, etc.
3. If this is not an emergency, call your child’s physician BEFORE going to the office or emergency room.
4. Watch for emergency warning signs (trouble breathing, severe vomiting, dehydration, or has the risk factors mentioned earlier) and keep your child comfortable and well-hydrated.
5. Do not take your child to public places while ill.
6. Be sure your child is symptom-free off medicines for 24 hours before sending your child to school.
7. Follow our website for important health information and updates.

Want to learn more?
Additional information on H1N1 can be found at the websites below:
 
www.cdc.gov
www.health.state.ny.us
www.hflcsd.org