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H1N1 Information
H1N1 Influenza Planning
The Regina Inter-Parish Catholic Education Center is working with Johnson County Public Health in efforts across the district and community to plan for the H1N1 (Novel Influenza A) influenza. H1N1 is a combination of swine and human flu viruses, but is transmitted from person to person. It is spread the same way as seasonal influenza, namely by respiratory droplets that are spread from coughing or sneezing, or touching something with the flu viruses on it and then transferring that virus by touching one’s mouth or nose. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to regular seasonal influenza, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. For more information, see the Fact Sheet (link below)
The school district’s goal is to prevent the spread of H1N1 as much as possible. This will include emphasis on prevention, working with the health department to vaccinate children and at-risk adults when the vaccine becomes available from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), doing active surveillance to track people with influenza-like symptoms, and communicating with the families and staff about incidence. The Regina Inter-Parish Catholic Education Center does not plan to close schools unless it is recommended by Johnson County Public Health or if not enough staff would be available to continue teaching students in a safe and productive environment.
To help prevent the spread of H1N1, we ask parents, students and staff to do the following:
Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or into one’s elbow if no tissue is available). Discard the tissue immediately and wash hands after coughing or sneezing.
Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medication may be an option. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.
Please see the links below for more information:
o Iowa Department of Public Health H1N1 Information Sharing
o Iowa Department of Public Health H1N1 Fact Sheet
o H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions
o Iowa Department of Public Health website (http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/)
Please contact Carol Trueg, Regina President, at 351-1415, with questions or concerns.