H1N1 Preparations Robert Belyea, Director of Special Education Student Services School Board Presentation September 10, 2009

Status of H1N1 or Swine Flu It is estimated that more than one million people became ill with H1N1 flu between April and June 2009 across the United States. The risk of someone being infected by an ill family member, classmate or co-worker ranges from 8% to 19%. 95% probability of having had the H1N1 Flu if recently experienced symptoms of fever over 100, accompanied by sore throat, runny nose, and/or cough.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on H1N1 Flu Symptoms are similar to the regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. H1N1 is 2 to 3 times more contagious than the regular seasonal flu. Severity is no greater than seasonal flu, and most people recover without needing special treatment. However, some at-risk people should talk to their doctor about whether they may need antiviral medications.

CDC on H1N1 - Continued Can infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications (even if they are on antiviral drugs).

Incidence By Age Groups

What SCPS are doing: Dr. Rowland and Administrators inserviced by the Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD). Ongoing communications and meetings with LFHD staff. Dr. Rowland sent all parents a letter outlining facts on H1N1 and what parents can do to minimize its spread. Videos in schools ready for students on correct way to cough and wash hands. School Nurses trained by LFHD staff and certified for N-95 respirators.

What SCPS are doing: Installed hand sanitizers in all classrooms, cafeterias, locker rooms, libraries and other heavily populated areas of every school in Shenandoah County. Inserviced Faculties, Custodians and Bus Drivers. Trained each teacher in the division with regard to proper sanitary practices. Required each teacher to emphasize proper sanitary practices within their classroom.

What SCPS are doing: Place disinfectants on each school bus. Drivers have been instructed to disinfect all bus hand railings and top of seats on a daily basis. Building level custodians have been informed of the importance of thoroughly cleaning the buildings each day. School administrators will monitor student and staff attendance and report any significant numbers of absences due to flu-like symptoms. School Division website has link to CDC on H1N1 for parents and educators. Dr. Otey from Shenandoah Pediatrics is doing a presentation on Swine Flu open to all staff and the public at PMMS Oct 13 at 3:45

Should the Flu Arrive... Students who display flu like symptoms will be separated from others until they can be sent home. Students and staff who display flu like symptoms will be requested to stay home from school until symptoms have disappeared for at least 24 hours. Shenandoah County Public Schools will make the necessary arrangements to administer the influenza H1N1 vaccinations to all students and staff if and when the vaccine is made available.

Did You Know? Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80% of all infections by their hands. From doorknobs to animals to food, harmful germs can live on almost everything. Hand washing may be your single most important act to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy.

Credits For information used in this presentation, thanks goes to: Dr. Stephen Haering, District Health Director, Lord Fairfax Health District Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Virginia Department of Education Virginia Department of Health School Nurses, Shenandoah County Public Schools