Tips for Preventing H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Schools

By now you've probably heard of the H1N1 virus which was originally referred to as the Swine Flu. In April, 2009 the first case of H1N1 was discovered in the United States, and by June, the World Health Organization stated that a possible pandemic was underway. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the H1N1 virus is contagious and continues to spread. With school back in session across America, it's critical that our children as well as parents and teachers know how to prevent the spread of H1N1 and undergo practices that keep everyone safe.

Symptoms of H1N1

First, know the symptoms of H1N1 which include many of the flu symptoms that we're already familiar with. For example, watch if your child has a fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, chills, fatigue and body aches. Some people with H1N1 have also experienced vomiting and diarrhea. While illness from H1N1 can be mild to severe, most people have recovered without requiring professional medical treatment.

Prevention

Adults and children alike should be aware of some very simple steps to prevent the spread of germs and possibly the H1N1 virus including:

• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you don't have a tissue on hand, use your sleeve or elbow. Remember to discard the tissue after using once.

• In addition to washing hands after using the restroom, hands should be washed after coughing or sneezing.

• Keep several bottles of alcohol-based hand cleaners at home and in the classroom.

• If you do get sick with symptoms of H1N1 or the flu, then you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away (unless you need medical attention).

• Stay away from people who are sick if at all possible.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands as this spreads germs.

Parents and teachers should educate school children about washing hands properly. When using soap and warm water, children should wash their hands anywhere from 15-20 seconds. If using hand sanitizers, the gel should be rubbed into the hands until it has dried. Do not add water to gel.

Teachers should also engage in routine cleaning for areas that are often touched by both students and staff.

According to the CDC there are some medicines to treat H1N1 such as oseltamivir and zanamivir. There are antiviral prescription medicines that help fight H1N1 by precluding the virus from reproducing in your body. Parents and teachers should watch for severe symptoms such as troubled breathing, grayish skin color, vomiting, irritability and not interacting in their children and get immediate medical attention and help.

Sources: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm