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May 26, 2009
There continues to be much H1N1 (swine) flu activity around the country
and new, more specific recommendations from the Maine and U.S. Centers for
Disease Control have been released regarding illnesses in schools as
follows:
Initial symptoms of H1N1 continue to include a fever (100 degrees
Fahrenheit) and sore throat or cough.
The latest guidance continues to instruct those with the above
symptoms to stay home from school for seven days or until symptoms are
gone for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
This guidance includes those who have a note from a physician, unless
an alternative diagnosis is supported by laboratory results (i.e. strep
throat).
Those students who have (a) fever alone, (b) vomiting or diarrhea, or
(c) sore throat or new cough, should remain home from school until
symptoms are gone for 24 hours; according to the Maine and U.S. Centers
for Disease Control.
Here are some ways to protect your family:
Cover your coughs and sneezes by sneezing into your
elbow. If you cover your cough with a tissue, throw the tissue into the
trash and wash your hands right away.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially
after coughing or sneezing.
Stay home when sick as noted above.
The federal government has information about the H1N1
(swine) flu and how to be prepared for it on U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) Swine Influenza Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/
. There are also informational links available at the bottom of this
web page.
If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider. You may
also contact the school nurse at the MSAD#1 Health Services Office at
764-8105.
Sincerely,
Gehrig T. Johnson, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Information taken from CDCs Update on
School (K-12) Dismissal: May 22, 2009
Informational Sites:
The Aroostook Medical Center:
http://www.tamc.org
Cary Medical Center:
http://www.carymedicalcenter.org
Maine Department of Education:
http://www.maine.gov/education/swineflu.html
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
PandemicFlu.Gov:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov
PandemicFlu Individuals & Families Planning Checklist:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html
Maine School Administrative District No. 32
Last updated June 3, 2009
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