H1N1 FAQ
H1N1 Update 12/09/09
What is novel H1N1 influenza?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April, 2009. Novel H1N1 virus is spreading from person-to-person, in the same ways that regular seasonal influenza spreads.
Copy of Letter Sent Home with Students 9/23/09
What are the signs and symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza in people?
Novel H1N1 influenza symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. A significant number of people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this virus.
Where can I get information on the status of novel H1N1 flu at Fairbanks Local Schools?
Continue to watch this page. Any status changes will be communicated to parents via our instant alert system. If you have not signed up, please contact your child's building office. If you are already signed up, please make sure that your contact information is up to date, by logging on to your account.
Is it safe for a child to attend school?
There is no reason to keep healthy children at home. If a child has fever or a respiratory illness they should be kept home from school until they have recovered. Ill students may need to be seen by a health care provider.
How does novel H1N1 influenza spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can I protect myself from H1N1?
There is not a vaccine available at this time to protect against the novel H1N1 flu virus. Consider protecting yourself and family as soon as a vaccine becomes available to the general public.
Here are the best ways to avoid getting or spreading novel H1N1 influenza that everyone can do right now:
- Encourage all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
- These are the same protections as those for seasonal flu.
What happens if a student appears to be sick?
The student should be evaluated by a school nurse or other school staff. Parents should maintain the child at home until they have been afebrile (without fever) for 24 hours. We will request a note from the parent or health care provider, and document the absence accordingly.
How is FLS Preparing for a Potential novel H1N1 outbreak?
Fairbanks Local Schools (FLS), in collaboration with our public health partners, will respond to any potential epidemic. The district is working closely with the Union County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor and to communicate on a regular basis. FLS continues to have heightened disease surveillance and reporting, and is providing on-going education and communication with staff, students and parents regarding health concerns related to novel H1N1.
What actions is the district taking to prevent an outbreak?
FLS remains diligent in its standard procedures for cleaning horizontal surface areas where germs could be found with hospital/institutional-grade disinfectant; school personnel are reinforcing with students proper hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing, sneezing and coughing into the crook/elbow and properly disposing of tissues; having hand sanitizer available in the cafeterias, media centers, and computer labs; and students and staff members who feel ill are being encouraged to be evaluated by a nurse or health care provider. FLS is also closely monitoring student and staff illness/absenteeism to determine if further action is needed.
What if my child or I become ill?
Anyone who becomes ill with flu-like symptoms should not leave home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including: work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. Stay hydrated, get lots of rest, properly dispose of tissues, cover your cough, wash your hands, and wash contaminated surfaces. Monitor symptoms for warning signs of serious illness. Contact your healthcare provider.
When should I seek medical care?
Seek medical care any time that you are concerned about symptoms. However, if you or your child experiences any of the following signs, seek care immediately:
In children, emergency warning signs include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not alert and interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
How long can an infected person spread the virus to others?
At the current time, it is believed that this virus is contagious much like seasonal flu. Persons may be contagious from one day before developing symptoms until 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection?
Yes. Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that keep flu viruses from reproducing in your body. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.
