H1N1 (Swine) Flu a Growing Concern
Extra Precautions in Place at Bennet Elementay
by Steve Robb
Many parents have contacted the school with concerns about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu, asking about what precautions we are taking at school to help control the spread of the flu. Concerns are higher as reported outbreaks in the area come out in the newspapers and on television news programs. At this time we have no confirmed cases of any students with the H1N1 Flu in our building or the high school.
At school we are actively enforcing frequent hand washing and hygiene. We are encouraging students to use the hand sanitizers located throughout the school frequently. Students using our computer lab are instructed to use the hand sanitizers before and after using the computers. Our staff is spraying and wiping down the keyboards frequently during the day. They stress covering up when sneezing, washing hands frequently and using the hand sanitizers placed throughout the building. Our bathrooms, stair railings, door handles etc. are being disinfected regularly by our custodial staff. Staff members are being instructed to watch and scan their classes for students with flu like symptoms. We have had in our plans since mid-summer to have touch less water facets installed in our bathroom sinks in the two main hallways. They are scheduled for installation on Wednesday of this next week.
State and local agencies have posted guide lines to follow in order to help contain and keep the flu from becoming even more wide spread. Among their suggestions are the following:
1. Stay home when you are sick.
2. Avoid close contact (Stay away from those who are sick.)
3. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze.
4. Wash your hands often.
5. Avoid Touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Practice Good Health Habits. (Eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, manage stress)
7. Get a flu shot for seasonal flu. Get your H1N1 shot when the vaccine becomes available.
Symptoms of H1N1
Temperature over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. You may also have nausea and or diarrhea.
Your Help is Important!
It is important for children that are sick to remain home. Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. Students that have a fever at school will be kept in the health room and their parents will be contacted to come and pick them up as quickly as possible.
Hopefully, if we all work together, the flu can be contained. If you have any questions, please call the school at 782-3535.
