H1N1 School Guidance

                                    Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine from the Center of Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm

• INFORMATION ON THE H1N1 VIRUS (SWINE FLU)

  What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

  H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is a new ‘flu’ virus causing illness in people.

  Is this H1N1 (swine) flu virus contagious?

  CDC has determined that this flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

  What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?

  The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

  In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing

  • Bluish or gray skin color

  • Not drinking enough fluids

  • Severe or persistent vomiting

  • Not waking up or not interacting

  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

   
  
  In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  •Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  •Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

  •Sudden dizziness

  •Confusion

  •Severe or persistent vomiting

  •Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

  What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

  A new vaccine is expected to be available by November 2009 to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu.

  There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like

  influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  Cough or sneeze into the inside your elbow if you have no tissue.

  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after

  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand

  Should I keep my children home to protect them?

  No. Only keep your children home if they are sick. Healthy children should go to school. Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands.

  Where can I go for more information?

  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

  http://www.flu.gov
  

  
  If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Stay home until you have no fever for 24 hours without taking medication (like aspirin or Tylenol®).