UNION COUNTY/COLLEGE CORNER JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT

107 Layman Street, Liberty, IN 47353 765-458-7471 Fax: 765-458-5647

H1N1 Information

We want to share information about the flu and specifically the H1N1 virus. On average, each year in the United States, 5%-20% of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications from flu, and about 36,000 people die from flu. H1N1 is a strain of Influenza A and up to this point has been a mild form in most people. We have had a confirmed case in our schools and anticipate we will see more throughout the year. The confirmed case recovered quickly when treated with the anti-viral medication.

We have added a H1N1 link on our website (www.uc.k12.in.us). It has some suggestions about what to do to protect your family from the flu. We will update this link when we have additional information to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the difference between a cold and the flu?

Although the flu often shares some symptoms that are similar to “colds”, it causes more than a runny nose or a case of the sniffles. Influenza symptoms usually have a rapid onset and include fever, chills, and severe body aches. Early on many flu sufferers feel weak. Once the flu virus begins spreading in the body, the sufferer begins coughing and a stuffy nose and sore throat may appear. Headaches are also very common. Abdominal pain and nausea are sometimes found in children, but are not usually seen in adults.

Our school nurses strongly encourage you to consult with your doctor if your child shows symptoms of the flu. Many times the symptoms are mild at first and early treatment can minimize the severity of the virus.

How is influenza spread?

It is spread by droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person being propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. The disease is also spread by touching respiratory droplets on objects. This is why it is so important to cover your mouth with your elbow or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and to wash your hands.

When should I keep my child home?

1. If they have a temperature of over 100 degrees.

2. Have a persistent cough, vomiting, or diarrhea.

3. When as a parent your instincts tell you your child is sick. This may be the way their eyes look, or the way they are acting.

Over

When can a sick child come back to school?

1. After a fever returns to normal for 24 hours (without fever reducing medications), students can return to school.

Is the school taking any additional steps to stop the spread of the virus?

1. The custodial staff is spending more time cleaning surfaces that have considerable hand contact. This means more time cleaning desks, doorknobs, countertops, and other similar areas.

2. New procedures in the computer labs where students use hand sanitizers before and after using keyboards.

3. New procedures in the Fitness Room and Weight Room where hand sanitizers are used before and after working out. Additionally, cloth towels used to wipe down equipment have been replaced by disposable wipes.

4. Hand sanitizers in all classrooms.

5. Additional discussion of health practices.

6. Many classrooms have changed procedures that reduce the sharing of materials.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.