We have received information this week from both the school district and the department of Health about the “public health emergency of international concern” (swine flu threat). In response, Forest Hills School is following their suggested protocol:
Schools remain open as usual
Teachers and staff are vigilant about monitoring any sickness and are to report it immediately
Teachers have been given information to actively teach proper hygiene and are asked to monitor this
Custodians are being more vigilant about cleaning areas that are more conducive to spreading contagions
Students and staff are asked to follow routine practices and stay home if ill
Individuals who have travelled to Mexico do not need to seek medical attention if they are well and can function as per usual
Hand sanitizers are not provided nor promoted by schools. HOWEVER, parents may send in hand sanitizer and may follow these expectations:
It should be a “scent free” product (although all alcohol based products will have some scent).
The sanitizer product should be kept in a location so that it is not easily available to others who are not intended to have access to it.
Exposure to open flames must be avoided during and immediately after application. When these hand sanitizers are dispensed and used in small quanitities, they present minimal fire hazards under normal use.
Forest Hills School will continue to communicate any new information that is received by either the department of Health or Education. We will monitor the situation closely.
Human Swine Influenza
Public Health Questions and Answers
What is human swine influenza?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. It causes regular outbreaks of influenza among pigs, but does not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu can and do occur. Since March 2009, a number of confirmed human cases of a new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection circulating in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand and Canada have been identified.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. 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 is it spread?
Swine flu can be spread in two ways:
Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses
Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented 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
Information to date indicates that the swine flu virus that is causing illness now is contagious and is spreading from human to human. It is not yet known how easily this virus spreads between people.
Who can get swine flu?
Anyone can get the swine influenza virus if they are in contact with the virus. People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered contagious for as long as the have any symptoms of the illness and possibly for up to 7 days following the beginning of their illness.
Can swine influenza be treated?
Yes. It is recommended to use antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment swine influenza. 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. To be most effective, antiviral drugs should be started within two days of the symptoms appearing.
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.
How can I prevent getting this virus?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. However there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza such as:
1. Hand washing
Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; if no soap and water available then use a hand sanitizer with alcohol.
2. Cover your cough and sneeze
Sneeze and cough into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue. After wiping or blowing your nose with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick
The same as if you have the seasonal flu, avoid going to work or school and being in large crowds as you can spread influenza easily to others. You should also visit those who have influenza only if necessary.
4. Antivirals may be used to prevent the illness in people who because of age, illness or chronic health conditions place them at greater risk of complication from the infection.
Should I wear a mask?
Use of a mask is recommended when you are providing direct care for a person with swine influenza to help reduce the spread of disease.
However, people who are not sick and are participating in their everyday activities will not be advised to wear masks because:
• Masks can provide a false sense of security of protection against infection; and
• If improperly handled, masks can increase the potential for infection.
What do I do if I get sick?
Contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. They 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
Should I travel?
To date there has not been any changes in travel advice for New Brunswick residents, however if you are traveling it is important to follow the same precautionary measures as during annual influenza season including getting the influenza vaccine, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have recently traveled and develop influenza-like symptoms you are advised to seek medical attention immediately. If you are not sick then there is no need to see your doctor.
Does the Influenza Vaccine help?
The current vaccine is not expected to provide much protection against the swine flu virus. However there is still some seasonal influenza circulating and if you are at high risk of complications for influenza, or traveling, you should consider getting the flu vaccine. People who are traveling should follow usual preventive measures against seasonal influenza such as receiving the flu vaccine. Although this year’s vaccine is not likely to be effective against this strain of H1N1, there may be ongoing seasonal influenza in parts of the world and being vaccinated could reduce the risk of virus re-assortment.
