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USD 489 H1N1 Influenza Plan

I. Communication with staff, parents, and students regarding steps to take to reduce spread of H1N1 flu virus.

a.
School nurses will inform building staff through staff meetings.
b.
Teachers will inform students. (Script will be provided)
c.
Information for parents on school websites, newsletters, other means of communication. Recommended web site:

• www.flu.gov Information to be shared includes universal precautions defined as an approach to infection control that includes:

  1. Hand washing
  2. Good hygiene
  3. Cover coughs and sneezes
  4. Staying healthy by eating balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate rest and exercise.
  5. Cleaning and disinfecting in the educational settings.
    1. Vigilance to the symptoms of H1N1 flu virus. Symptoms include:
      • Fever greater than 100 degrees
      • Body aches
      • Coughing
      • Sore throat
      • Respiratory congestion
      • In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
  6. Both seasonal and H1N1 vaccination when available are highly recommended.

II. Follow Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommendations for suspected or confirmed cases of infection.

a.
School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case. In general, closure is not advised for multiple cases unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. Schools are encouraged to begin planning for how learning will continue should schools need to be closed.
b.
Students, faculty, or staff with influenza‐like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 24 hours of no fever without use of medication.
c.
Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza‐like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from others students and sent home.
d.
Parents and guardians should monitor their school‐aged children, and faculty and staff should self‐monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza‐like illness.
e.
Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings including school related activities. Parents must have a plan for what they will do if child is ill.
f.
Should school closure occur, all school‐related gatherings will be canceled and gathering outside of school, including malls, movies, libraries, friends’ houses in large groups should be avoided.

III. H1N1 Influenza Vaccination

a. When vaccine becomes available, USD 489 will work closely with the Ellis County Health Department to provide vaccination for those identified to receive. (Looking at November)

IV. USD 489 will work closely with Ellis County Health Department to update this plan as needed.

August 5, 2009