Dear Parents,

This is to update you on novel H1N1 (swine originated) flu and our schools. H1N1 is widespread in NYS and in most states across the country, and the number of cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and hospitalization associated with ILI is increasing. At this time, 99% of all cultures being done on seriously ill and hospitalized patients are positive for H1N1. Therefore, unlike last spring when we were able to advise parents of isolated cases, the health department is not alerting schools about specific confirmed cases; therefore, we cannot pass specific information along to you. Instead, we are handling all ILI as though it is H1N1, and we advise parents to do the same. H1N1 is in our schools.

Please be reassured the district continues to follow carefully the guidance we are receiving from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and our state and local public health departments.

• We are carefully cleaning high touch surfaces daily.
• We are educating children on good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• We are encouraging more frequent hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizers.
• We require that all ill persons remain home for at least 24 hours after all symptoms have resolved off fever reducing medications.
• We are conducting careful daily absence surveillance and reporting it to the state.

We want to remind you that most people do not need to seek medical care if they become ill with ILI, and can take care of themselves with Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce fever, lots of fluids, and rest. Avoid aspirin or aspirin containing products. Please call your private provider before going to their office or the Emergency Department or an Urgent Care Center. Familiarize yourself with warning signs when you should seek immediate medical assistance, such as fever you cannot control, trouble breathing or turning blue, or getting better and then worsening again. Please check our website for detailed information on high-risk groups and the full list of warning signs. Please talk with your health care provider about vaccines for both seasonal and H1N1 flu. If you believe your child is at high risk for complications from the flu, since we know H1N1 is in our schools, please discuss an action plan with your physician about what to do until your child is immunized against H1N1. Most importantly, remember you can prevent illness by using excellent hand hygiene, keeping hands away from faces, using good cough and sneeze etiquette, and being vaccinated.

One last word of caution is needed. The CDC has issued a warning that drugs and prevention treatments are cropping up on the internet for H1N1. These may be dangerous to your health. Please avoid the temptation to buy quick cures or prevention tricks, as some of these concoctions may actually be harmful. Before using any new medicine touted to cure or prevent the flu, please check with your physician. Thank you for your continued efforts to keep your ill child home and to notify the school with specific details when your child is absent. Please check our website for updates as they become available, and please stay healthy.

Sincerely,
 
Philip W. Burrows,
Deputy Superintendent and
Director of Pupil Personnel Services