Our last flu update was in early June. H1N1 is still out there and infection is considered "wide-spread" throughout Maine. Some numbers indicate that those infected are about 1/10th of what would be expected during the normal flu season.
Dear Parents:
Swine flu is a strain of influenza. Like the other seasonal influenza strains, it is passed through sneezes and coughs. Therefore, it is spread where large numbers of people congregate, such as in schools. We have increased the frequency of disinfecting handles, knobs and desktops and have reminded students of healthy practices.
If there is a case of Swine flu in our school we will respond according to our Pandemic Flu Policy.We ask that all community members do their part to prevent the spread of this illness by following the Center for Disease Control tips listed below.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
- Stay informed.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies as well as planning for child care..
- Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information or www.CDC.gov/swineflu.
Sincerely,
Denise Plante, Principal