1. SWINE FLU INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS
(for up-to-date accurate information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)

* What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.

* Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

* Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

* What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

* How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy
32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

* How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

1. Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.
2. Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

* Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

* How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

* What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County California or Guadalupe County, Texas and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat,
nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

* If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

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

~ Fast breathing or trouble breathing
~ Bluish skin color
~ Not drinking enough fluids
~ Not waking up or not interacting
~ 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

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

* Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Last Updated: 4/25/09 - ODH/CDC

 Sick/Absent FAQ:

This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

What if my child will need medication while at school?

Administration of medication during school hours should occur only when medication schedules cannot be adjusted to permit administration of medication at home.


What do I need to do for administration of medication at school?

ALL medication must be delivered to the school by a parent/guardian or

responsible adult designated by the parent. Do not send medication on the bus,to school, by your child.


How do I bring the medication to school?

Prescription medication must be prescribed by a licensed

prescriber and should be in the ORIGINAL PACKAGE with

instructions for administering the medication. Parents should ask their

pharmacists for a separate bottle for in-school medications. For

non-prescription medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Cough Remedies, Benadryl etc.) it must be in original package.

How are medications kept at school?

All medications are kept in a designated, locked area.

Do I need to fill out paperwork?

For each medication, the parent or guardian MUST complete, sign and return a "Request to Administer Medication" form to the office. Any changes in the dose or time of administration MUST be accompanied by another "Request to Administer Medication" form.

What if this is a new medication for my child?

Parents are encouraged to give the first dose of medication at home in case any reaction should occur.

Can my child carry emergency medication during the day?

Written permission from your child's physician, and you is needed to carry asthma inhalers, EpiPens or Insulin. Form is available in the school

office. This is considered to be a prescription

medication and prescription guidelines will also be followed (original

package, directions and "Request to Administer Medication" form in addition to the physician's written permission).

Who will administer medication to my child during school?

The school nurse, secretary or principal.

How will I be notified my child is sick or injuried while at school?

Information on your child's Emergency Card will be utilized to contact you.

Keep your phone numbers up-to-date! List at least two other people to be contacted if you are unavailable. You will be notified anytime there is a serious health concern. Basic first-aid will be administered in the clinic. Emergency Medical Services (911) will be contacted for serious illness/injury.

What health screenings are done in school?

Vision/Hearing screening is done for PS, K, 1, 3, 5 and 7th graders.

Scoliosis screening is done for 5, 6, 7, and 8th graders.

Can my child attend school with nits in his/her hair?

All nits must be removed from the hair.
Your child will be sent home again if nits are found when checked by the school nurse/secretary/principal.

How do I get my child excused from PE due to illness/injury?

Your doctor must provide written notice to be excused from PE for more than one day.