Update on H1N1 Virus

With the influenza season upon us, we would like to communicate the following precautions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus at GAIS. Hygiene is extremely important and students are encouraged to wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizers. We have made sanitizers available in each classroom. Keeping children at home if they show signs of fever is also critical to contain the disease. Children who are ill must remain at home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking any medication. For younger children, this time should be increased and a doctor should be consulted. Health authorities are not at present recommending the closure of schools. The San Mateo County website has a special page on H1N1 which can be found at: http://www.smcoe.k12.ca.us. They have made the following recommended school responses for the 2009-2010 school year. Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. Separate ill students and staff: Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be separated from others until they can be sent home. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available). Routine cleaning: School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. CDC does not believe any additional disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond the recommended routine cleaning is required. Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.