FPS Information – Update on Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (Swine Flu)

This communication is to give you information regarding the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. To date, the District has had three confirmed cases – one at East Middle School, one at Warner Middle School and one at Kenbrook Elementary School. Each case was evaluated and a course of action was determined. Following the Oakland County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations below, the District has not closed any schools because of the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. We want to assure you that we continue to remain in contact with the Oakland County Health Department and follow their counsel which reflects the CDC recommendations.

According to the CDC, most of the H1N1 cases are comparable in severity to seasonal influenza.

At this time, the CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools and child care programs focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette.

Information from the Center for Disease Control

Recommendations

* School and child care program closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school or child care program’s ability to function. A magnitude, in most cases, would include more than 30 percent of the population of the school building.

* Schools and child care programs that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.

* Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or child care programs, or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.

* Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school and child care programs until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.

* Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.

* Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness. * Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.

* School and child care program administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school or child care program.

* Schools and child care programs can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

* Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.