Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is circulating in New Brunswick communities and there is no reason to think that Forest Hills School would be excluded from this situation. In line with current public health guidance, the closure of schools is not being recommended at this time, even when students or staff at these schools have experienced influenza-like symptoms.
Please monitor your child and yourself daily for influenza-like illness (fever and cough and one or more of the following: sore throat, body aches and fatigue). If you or your child develops these symptoms, please follow the current public health advice on this issue, which includes staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent hand-washing. You or your child should stay home until free of symptoms, and feeling well.
Pregnant women with influenza-like symptoms, or people with influenza-like symptoms who have an underlying medical condition (such as diabetes) or whose immune systems are otherwise compromised, should present themselves to their health-care provider promptly. Your physician or nurse practitioner will determine whether antivirals are an appropriate treatment option in your specific case. Taking antiviral medication to prevent this disease in otherwise healthy people is not recommended at this time.
It is possible that spread of this infection within the school has already occurred, so it is important to review routine infection control measures, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding sharing personal items, and staying home when sick.
For more information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu virus, please feel free to contact your local RHA Public Health office during normal office hours. For the most up-to-date information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 at any time, please visit www.gnb.ca/flu or call our 24-hour Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 phone line at 1-800-580-0038. A full list of local public health offices is available on the website as well as useful personal resources such as advice for caring for someone who is sick. The website is updated almost daily and the phone line provides information, symptom triage, and health advice.
Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Dr. Eilish Cleary
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Tanya Whitney
Principal, Forest Hills School
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