Swine Flu - Update on School Closures
and Information for Concerned Parents.
Updated Monday, April 27, 2009 2:21 MST
On Monday, President Barack Obama said that the treat of swine flu is not cause for alarm. Still, the Department of Health and Human Services has declared a national heath emergency. Americans should be aware that the problem could become more severe.
Government officials are closely tracking the spread of disease and border security has tightened. Experts do not believe borders can contain the spread of the flu, however, antiviral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu do seem to be effective against the Swine Flu (also known as Influenza A H1N1). Of particular interest to experts is why the disease is more 'mild' in U.S. cases in comparison to the 1,600+ infections and reported 100+ deaths in Mexico.
Accompanying the news of the discovery of a rapid disease spread of any new strain of virus is the term 'pandemic'. According to Time Magazines Douglas A. McIntyre there are a some reasons that a Pandemic is not likely:
1) Sophisticated monitoring by the CDC and WHO can help isolate the areas of infection.
2) Flu vaccines lessen the spread rate of the disease
3) The particular strain does not seem overly virulent outside of Mexico.
(source Time.com - http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1894052,00.html?xid=feed-yahoo-full-health-related)
Needless to say, schools have been closing and parents are worried all across the nation. It is too early to predict but if this flu is easily transmitted and if we have no immunity - pandemic is possible. Some believe we have already met conditions for phase 4 pandemic alert and that may be raised to level 5 alert soon. (see Reuters news: WHO may raise pandemic threat level over swine flu http://uk.reuters.com/article/usTopNews/idUKTRE53Q4YR20090427 )
Most Recent U.S. Summary of Infection:
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET)
California - 7 cases
Kansas - 2 cases
New York City - 28 cases
Ohio - 1 case
Texas - 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT - 40 cases
Most Recent Swine Flu School Closures:
St. Francis Preparatory High School - Queens, NY
http://www.sfponline.org/
Closed Monday April, 27 & Tuesday April 28
14 schools in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District - Schertz, TX
http://www.scuc.txed.net/
Closed Monday April 27 through Friday May 1
St. Mel School, a small Catholic school - Fair Oaks, CA
http://stmelschool.ca.campusgrid.net/home
Closed Until Thursday April 30th
Ely Elementary School - Elyria, OH
http://www.elyriaschools.org/ely/
Closed Monday April 27 through Friday May 1
How is flu transmitted?
Flu is transmitted in droplets that become airborne when coughing or sneezing. These airborne droplets can be inhaled or can contaminate surfaces. Contaminated surfaces can then be touched and brought to ones mouth, nose or eyes.
Simple Ways to Best Protect Yourself and Your Family:
1) Wash hands frequently with soap and water (alcohol based hand cleaners work too).
2) Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw in trash after use).
3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are spread that way.
4) Remain distant to anyone coughing or sneezing wherever possible.
5) Keep immune system in good shape with proper excersize, rest and nutrition.
6) Limit exposure to large groups.
What To Do if You Feel Sick?
1) Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw in trash after use).
2) Wash hands frequently especially after coughing into hands or touching tissues.
3) Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
4) Keep any areas contaminated by bodily fluids clean by washing thoroughly with disinfectants.
5) Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
6) See a health care provider when necessary.
Symptoms of Swine Flu (from the CDC website):
Swine influenza A virus infection (swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with swine flu infection. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from swine flu infection, such as persons with chronic medical conditions. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections.
Anyone infected with flu symptoms should stay home for 7 days after the first day of fever or at least 24-48 hours after all symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
For more up-to-date information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
NYC Health Department Information sheet (distributed via St. Francis Preparatory School):
http://www.sfponline.org/Uploads/swineinfluenzaSFP.pdf
We generally reserve this blog for school fundraising news but it seems parents (such as myself) wanted a summary of the situation especially as it relates to schools and some simple As with all of my posts, if you find the information helpful, please subscribe to my blog, forward the URL, leave a comment or promote on twitter (@BelieveKids) or other sites. Please contact me for more information or visit http://www.BelieveKids.com
Recommendations as to keeping healthy were sourced from Government Sites and are not my sole opinion. I am not a professional medical practitioner - As with any medical advice, please consult a professional. Furthermore, I believe this information will be outdated very soon. Look for updates here or through other sources.
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