H1N1(Swine) Flu and Our Schools

The best way to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu, seasonal flu, and colds is to limit the number of people who are exposed to the virus.   The main way you will get the flu is by an infected person near you coughing or sneezing, which usually happens without warning. That person may not know he or she is sick, because the tell-tale fever does not appear for approximately two days.

But you can shield yourself and your family from the seasonal flu by getting a flu shot.  The Health Department says that anyone who wishes to get a season flu shot can, and probably should. It is available now.

How do I protect myself and my family from the H1N1 (swine) flu virus?

The H1N1 vaccine remains in short supply. The health department is distributing the latest shipment through medical providers and through pharmacies around King County. To find out who can get the immunization and where they are available, go to the Health Dept.’s H1N1 webpage.

In addition, there are some simple measures we all can take to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, as well as other contagious diseases.

Before going to school/work:

1. First, every morning before going to school or work, take the time to do a self-check, then check your kids.  If you or your child has a fever, especially if it is above 100 degrees F,* you should stay home. Do NOT send your child to school or daycare with a fever.
   
   Children and staff are asked to remain at home for 24 hours after the fever/signs of fever are no longer present, without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
   
   *If you don’t have a thermometer, feel your child’s forehead with your hand. If it is much warmer than usual your child probably has a fever.
   In addition to a fever, signs of the flu include:
   • Sore throat
   • Cough
   • Chills
   • Headache
   • Body aches
   • Muscle aches
   • Feeling of weakness/exhaustion
   • Vomiting or diarrhea or abdominal pain

2. Make a plan.
   Plan for childcare at home if your child gets sick or if school is dismissed.  Many families around the country are creating “childcare co-ops” with friends and neighbors. These trusted friends and family work together to share the responsibility of caring for sick children.
   
   If you or your child has a higher risk of complications from the flu, please contact your physician about having a plan for care, including obtaining an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu if you do develop early symptoms of the flu. Click here to see a list of conditions that may make you at higher risk for complications.

At school, at work, and at home:

1. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Keep tissues close at hand and use them if possible. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash for 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing the ABC song (or Happy Birthday, twice). Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective, unless the hands are visibly dirty. Children and staff are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. These are great entry portals for germs.

How and when should I seek medical care?

The CDC recommends that you seek emergency medical care if you, a family member or someone you know is having any of following warning signs discussed below.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing/chest pain
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not making eye contact
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash
• Fever for more than three days

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above. It is not necessary to see a health care provider if your symptoms are mild, or if you do not have an underlying health condition that puts you at higher risk.

If you need medical care and don’t have a medical provider or health insurance, call the Community Health Access Program at 800-756-5437. You will not be asked to provide proof of immigration status.

Prevention measures we all can take.

Besides getting flu shots, covering coughs and staying home when sick, there are things we all can do to prevent the spread of the H1N1 and other contagious diseases. 

Among them, the Department of Health recommends frequent cleaning and disinfecting of hard surfaces, frequently touched surfaces/items and electronic devices.  At school, we’re developing a process for classrooms to get frequent wipe-downs. You can do the same at home to help prevent the spread of the virus. Here are some of the items you should focus on cleaning and sanitizing.

• Kitchen countertops
• Tabletops
• Desktops
• Bathroom surfaces, faucets, and toilet levers
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Refrigerator doorknobs/handles
• Microwaves
• Electronic devices such as phones, computers, remote controls and hand-held games (use sanitizing wipes for such devices.

You can find more information in the Health Department publication.