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What Do We Need to Know about H1N1 Influenza?. September 2009. H1N1 Influenza A. Identified in the United States in April 2009 First cases assessed by a school nurse! Our schools will feel an impact from this pandemic flu this school year What do we need to know?. So much information!.
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What Do We Need to Know about H1N1 Influenza? September 2009
H1N1 Influenza A • Identified in the United States in April 2009 • First cases assessed by a school nurse! • Our schools will feel an impact from this pandemic flu this school year • What do we need to know?
So much information! • There is so much information available • Media • Health organizations • Health professionals • Relatives and friends • How do we know what information is valid?
Quality Information for Schools • New York State Education Department • New York State Department of Health • Centers for Disease Control • US Department of Health and Human Services – Flu.gov • World Health Organization • Your school nurse!
What Do I Need to Know NOW? • H1N1 Influenza A is a newly identified flu • Vaccine is expected to be available this Fall • Children are being affected by this flu outbreak • Schools are large group settings that can spread the flu quickly
What Do I Need to Know NOW? • H1N1 Influenza isn’t a more severe flu – it’s just a new strain • Spreads easily • So far the cases of influenza have been mild • Complications have occurred in people with a chronic health condition AND a case of this flu
What Are the Signs of H1N1 Flu? • Fever of 100°F (37.8° C) or greater • Cough • Runny Nose • Sore Throat
What do I do if I have signs of H1N1 Flu? • If you begin to feel sick at school, talk to the nurse • If you have symptoms at home – stay home! • How long should you stay home? • Until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F (37.8° C) or greater) or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Can We Prevent H1N1 Flu? • The best prevention is: • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing • Use alcohol based hand sanitizers to clean hands if soap and water are not available • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash after use (if no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve—not your hand)
Questions? • See your school nurse! • Check out reliable resources on the Internet – • New York Statewide School Health Services Center website: • www.schoolhealthservicesny.com • H1N1 Flu link on main navigational bar