VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

HEALTH SERVICES

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dear Parents,

There have been cases of Influenza A in all four of our school buildings. These cases are being treated as Novel Influenza A H1N1 although we have not had any lab confirmation they are H1N1. Influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Influenza spreads when sick people cough or sneeze germs onto others or onto surfaces that someone else may touch. The incubation period is 1- 7 days. The victim is hit suddenly and harshly with a headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, body aches, and fever that may run as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There also may be vomiting and diarrhea. Flu victims feel extremely tired and weak and may not return to their normal energy levels for several days or even a couple of weeks.

Symptoms can be relieved with bed rest, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for the aches and chills, and keeping well hydrated. Children should not have aspirin due to possible Reye’s syndrome.

Children age two and older who have no risk for complications such as diabetes, asthma, chronic lung or heart conditions or weakened immune system, should stay home and drink plenty of fluids.

If the child develops difficulty breathing, is unable to drink fluids, or becomes less responsive, call the doctor.

Washing hands correctly and not touching the face with your hands will help protect you from the flu. To wash hands, wet your hands, use 1 tsp. of soap, rub hands together to get a good lather, rub the backs, between the fingers, fingernails, and wrists for 20 seconds to remove all the germs. Hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol may be used if washing facilities are unavailable. If you can, it’s best to use soap and water.

People with the Novel H1N1 flu can infect others and could be contagious as long as they have symptoms. If you or your family is sick, stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil.

The best way to protect your child from the novel influenza H1N1is receive the vaccine and get the seasonal vaccine. Information is available on the CDC website www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). We are working with Benton County Public Health to establish free clinics in the schools. Information about the vaccine and consents are available on our district website www.vinton-shellsburg.k12.ia.us.

Please call or email with questions or concerns.

Susan Noren, RN

Vinton Shellsburg Community Schools

319-436-4728 ext. 204 or 319