H1N1- What Staff and Students Should Know 

Flu can be spread from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to reduce the spread of flu .

 What is H1N1?

H1N1 is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regualr outbreaks in pigs.  People do not normally get H1N1 , but human infections can and do happen.  H1N1 viruses have been reported to spread from person-to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and sustained beyond three people.

What is Pandemic Flu?

Pandemic Flu is an outbreak of disease caused by a new strain of flu virus that spread globally and to which people have not been previously exposed to.

How does Pandemic Influenza spread?

Human influenza is mainly transmitted through person-to-person contact from coughing or sneezing, or when someone touches something that has the flu virus on it and then touches their nose, mouth or eyes.

How can I limit the spread of "germs" like the flu virus? 
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  • Adults and children should wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it take to sing "Happy Birthday" twice
  • Use hand sanitizer when clean soap is not available
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; dispose of tissues after use
  • If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze in elbow
  • Stay away from other who are sick
  • If you are all with respiratory illness, especially if accompanied by fever and or chills, achy joints, or runny nose, stay home from work or school
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Action Steps for Parents to Protect Your Child and Family from the Flu this School Year

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you and your family may keep from getting sick with the flu at school and home:

  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Stay home if you or your child is sick for at least 24 hours after there is no sign of fever
  • Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 when vaccines are available.