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Guidelines for Parents Regarding H1N1 Influenza A

Guidelines for Parents Regarding H1N1 Influenza A

 

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory congestion
  • In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

 

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. The vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is anticipated to be available this fall, but currently there are effective treatments, including anti-viral medications, available once the infection is diagnosed. However, it is important to seek medical care at the onset of any of the above symptoms because the anti-viral medications must be initiated within 48 hours of these symptoms.

 

As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs when hand-washing facilities are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Keep your child at home when they are sick to avoid spreading illness to others. Students are to remain out of school in isolation at home for the duration of the time they are feverish and then 24 hours beyond that. Expect that most will be out of school 3-5 days.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
  • Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

 

Please take this time to review the USD 506 illness policy. Your child will be sent home from school under the following conditions:

  • Temperature of 99.6 degrees or above with headache, sore throat, nausea, coughing/sneezing or other symptoms.
  • Temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher when there are no other symptoms (Should this be 100 or 100.4 – see H1N1 guidelines).
  • Severe cough that makes a high-pitched “croupy” or “whooping” sound.
  • Diarrhea (at least two watery stools in a four-hour period).
  • Vomiting.

Students may return to school under the following guidelines:

  • Temperature-must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  • Cough-must be symptom free for 24 hours or physicians written approval.
  • Diarrhea-must be free of diarrhea for 24 hours.
  • Vomiting-free of upset stomach and vomiting for 24 hours.

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about the H1N1 virus. The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317. Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information is also available from KDHE at http://www.kdheks.gov.

Click here to download the H1N1 Prevention Kids Poster.

 
 

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