Colebrook Consolidated School
Novel H1N1 flu (swine flu): Facts for families of school-aged children
(Revised 08/18/09)
What is novel H1N1 flu (swine flu)? Novel H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu," is a virus that can spread from people who have the virus
to other people through coughs and sneezes. A person can not get the novel H1N1 virus from a pig or from eating pork products. What should we do if someone in my family has symptoms? Stay home
if you have flu symptoms: fever AND cough or sore throat (other symptoms may include body aches, vomiting or diarrhea). CDC recommends that people with flu symptoms remain at home
until at least 24 hours after they are fever free (100
fever-reducing medications, so you won't infect people around you care provider as you would when you are sick. Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild
symptoms for which you would not normally seek medical care. If you feel sick enough to see a doctor, call your health care provider.
Why did some schools close in response to novel H1N1 during the previous school year? During the beginning of this outbreak in the spring of 2009, we believed it wise to close affected
schools while we learned more about this new illness and how to prevent the spread of the illness. Closing schools gave us valuable time to gather information about this novel H1N1 influenza strain in
our community and limit the possible spread of the virus. We appreciate the sacrifices families and schools have made to protect the health of the community during this early stage of the outbreak. As
we learned more about the virus, we found it unnecessary to close schools based on the diagnosis of a probable or confirmed case. Will schools continue to close?
Schools will no longer be advised to close based on the diagnosis of a probable or confirmed case of novel H1N1 flu. As with seasonal influenza, schools may be closed if larger numbers of students or
faculty become ill. School closure appears less necessary based on what we have learned about the spread of the disease and the severity of illness currently associated with this novel H1N1 strain.
My child just became ill with flu-like symptoms, what should I do? Students with fever, cough, or sore throat or other new respiratory illness should not attend school for
at least 24 hours after they are fever free (100 medications.
How do I protect my children and family from infection? Teach children to:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not nearby, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
• Stay away from people who are sick. Where can I get more information?
• Connecticut Flu Watch web site: http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
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Guidance on how long to keep a child with flu symptoms home is subject to change. For the most updated information, visit the Connecticut Flu Watch website listed above.
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