1. Psychosocial Impact in Schools
Pandemic Influenza
Psychosocial Impact
in Schools

2. All students with “flu-like” symptoms please report to the Health Office at this time.
Schoolhouse Pandemic
HEALTH OFFICE

3. Pandemic Alert Periods
Prepare and distribute educational materials to support psychological & social (psychosocial) reaction to a pandemic event
Support workforce resilience and personal resilience through information and expertise
Reinforce self-care strategies

4. Pandemic Period
Deliver psychosocial support services to staff and families
Provide staff with up-to-date information on local, regional, and national status
Provide guidance on anticipated reactions and potential health care matters such as quarantine

5. Psychosocial Issues for School Personnel
Concern about children and family
Constant pressure to keep performing
Domestic pressures caused by school closures
Stress of working with symptomatic others
Difficulty maintaining self-care
Fear of contagion & transmitting to others

6. Exacerbated by… Lack of information or misinformation
Loss of faith in health institutions
Mass casualties and death among children
Belief that resources are not available
Personal resiliency to stressors

7. Psychosocial Issues for Families of School Personnel
Staff may be tired, worried, irritable, etc.
Staff may be less optimistic and understanding
Increased emergency workload may complicate communication with family
Family members may be at risk of contagion

8. Impact on School Personnel
Increased risk of exposure
Illness & death among children and staff
Ethical dilemmas – DSW status
Frustration with “business as usual”
Physical isolation associated with
infection control

9. Lessons Learned from Tsunami Relief Effort
Even seasoned care-givers may experience uneasiness
Working outside of area of expertise
Timely, accurate, and candid information should be shared
Self-help activities are essential
Resiliency diminishes with death of children

10. Psychosocial Remedy?
Prepare
Inform
Update
Continuity