H1N1 Information Update

H1N1 Update

During this flu season, the school nurses monitor the daily absentee rate, recording the symptoms of all students and staff. Our concern of course is the return of the H1N1 flu throughout our district. We have seen an increase in what are termed influenza like illnesses (ILI) in the schools, but the absentee rate remains within the normal range. We also are in communication with the Weston Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

In the summer we spent time planning for H1N1 clinics, but the vaccine has yet to arrive in the doses necessary to hold such a clinic. Fortunately, some students have received the vaccine from their pediatricians, but most continue to be at risk for the illness. Therefore it is very important that students and staff follow the guidelines set forth for infection control by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:

• Do not come to school if sick with influenza like illnesses (view The Flu Symptom Checklist at:  www.mass.gov/flu )
• Stay home for 24 hours after  fever abates without taking fever-reducing medications
• Practice frequent and thorough hand washing and proper cough etiquette
• Do not share eating utensils, cups or water bottles
• Eat properly and get 8-10 hours of rest, depending on age

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