H1N1 Update October 15, 2009 Prepare and Prevent

Why it Matters Spanish Flu (H1N1) million estimated deaths worldwide 600,000 U.S. deaths Asian Flu (H2N2) 70,000+ U.S. deaths Hong Kong Flu (H3N2) 34,000+ The cases this fall are same strain as last spring (no mutation)

Department of Public Health Recommendations If someone has flu symptoms (fever, body aches, sore throat, upset stomach) stay home. Do not go to the emergency room or doctors office without CALLING FIRST to avoid continued contamination The DPH and CDC are encouraging schools and businesses to evaluate policies that may require doctors notes to reduce unnecessary doctor visits. If necessary schools should be prepared for alternative strategies to assist students with completion of assignments, exams and other school requirements should attendance become critical during the fall/winter months.

H1N1 Vaccination Plan First Doses to target: Pregnant Women People in contact with infants under 6 months Children 6 months – 4 years old Children with medical conditions 5-19 years of age Next Priority Level: Health care and emergency medical service personnel Children 6 months to 24 years old age group with high risk conditions (chronic pulmonary, cardiac, renal, metabolic, homological disorders immunosuppression)

SVTHS Strategy- VICE V- Vaccinate Encourage students and staff to get seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations Nursing students encouraged to get vaccinated especially if they are in health care facility placements Vaccination information including locations and dates will be posted on the SVTHS web page. Caretakers of infants strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

SVTHS Strategy- VICE I – Isolate Individuals with flu symptoms (fever, cough, body aches, possible upset stomach or sore throat) should stay home Flu can last 3-5 days in most cases Don’t return to work or school until fever is gone for 24 hours without a fever reducer Isolate virus through careful hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, and cleaning of high contact and food service areas. Please, Keep ‘well students’ out of the nurses office Avoid sending other students to accompany sick injured students. Call guidance office if student needs to be accompanied to the nurses office.

SVTHS Strategy- VICE C- Communicate Webpage will be kept updated on local, regional and sate services for the flu SVTHS will participate in regional services set up through city and town department of public health offices. Link to for up to date information.

SVTHS Strategy- VICE E- Educate Provide informational flyer to staff, students and families (letter sent home in September) Flu: What You Can Do pamphlets available in guidance and nurses office Don’t respond to sensational news items, do practice sensible prevention Keep posters up and run videos on prevention WASH HANDS – COVER COUGH – USE HAND SANTITIZER

Wrap Up Wash hands and use sanitizer Cover cough using inside of elbow Stay home if you have a fever Don’t share food or beverages Get vaccinated For more information: