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Preparing Schools for H1N1 Flu
This Web page includes information for school administrators, school nurses and parents on how to prepare for and respond to a pandemic outbreak of H1N1 flu. Check back to this page frequently for updated information. State and federal governments now refer to the “swine flu” as H1N1 flu. We have adjusted our pages to reflect this change. Flu.gov is the official U.S. government Web site managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here you will find frequently asked H1N1 (Swine) Flu Questions. Factual information about H1N1 flu may also be found at Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What are the signs and symptoms of the new H1N1 Virus?
The symptoms in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include:
- fever greater than 100°
- cough
- sore throat
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus (Source: CDC).
What can parents do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu?
Parents can find guidance, checklists and information sheets on the Individuals and Families Planning page of Flu.gov. This page offers language translations of important H1N1 information.
CDC advises common-sense measures for preventing flu: stay home if you’re sick, avoid close contact and practice hand hygiene. As always, persons with a respiratory illness (fever of over 100°, cough and/or sore throat) should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading influenza and other respiratory illnesses to others in their communities.
This is also a good opportunity for individuals and families to review and/or establish a personal emergency preparedness plan. The possibility of public health emergencies arising in the United States concerns many people in the wake of recent hurricanes, acts of terrorism and the threat of pandemic influenza. Taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when something does occur.
 The American Red Cross sponsors a Pandemic Flu site that offers flu-prevention tips for kids. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Red Cross teamed up to answer common questions and provide step-by-step guidance you can take now to protect you and your loved ones.
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