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School, health officials hold informational flu meetings
Jessica Zartler
31 mins ago
DENVER - Health officials are calling this year one of the most complicated for flu viruses because they are not just fighting the seasonal flu, they are working against the H1N1 virus.
Denver Public Schools, Denver Public Health and the public health department want families to prepare now, so the agencies are holding information sessions at area high schools throughout the week.
Denver Public Schools says it has had a handful of suspected H1N1 cases and has already held several information sessions with its principals in order to share information with parents and students.
Now, it is holding informational sessions to talk directly to families about how to protect themselves from H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
Cheryl Karsteaedt works at the Student Services Department at Denver Public Schools. She says parents will get a lot out of the sessions.
"What parents will learn is what they can do to prevent them and their children from getting the flu, what they can do once they have it and really when it is safe for students to go back to school and when they can go back to work," Karsteaedt said.
Health officials say hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the flu and staying home when you are sick is the best way to prevent it from spreading.
"Obviously if you're touching other objects, you're shaking hands and you're kissing, you're going to be spreading this virus particularly if you're sick. So if you're sick we want you to stay home," Director of Denver Public Health Dr. Chris Urbina said.
School and health officials are also encouraging families to get vaccinated, especially high-risk populations like children, the elderly and people with immune deficiencies.
Seasonal flu vaccines are already available but the H1N1 vaccine is not expected out until mid-October.
Urbina says you may have the flu if you have a fever of more than 100 degrees, sore throat, body aches and headaches and you should see your doctor immediately for a diagnosis.
He welcomes families from across the community to attend the informational sessions.
Jessica Zartler
31 mins ago
DENVER - Health officials are calling this year one of the most complicated for flu viruses because they are not just fighting the seasonal flu, they are working against the H1N1 virus.
Denver Public Schools, Denver Public Health and the public health department want families to prepare now, so the agencies are holding information sessions at area high schools throughout the week.
Denver Public Schools says it has had a handful of suspected H1N1 cases and has already held several information sessions with its principals in order to share information with parents and students.
Now, it is holding informational sessions to talk directly to families about how to protect themselves from H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
Cheryl Karsteaedt works at the Student Services Department at Denver Public Schools. She says parents will get a lot out of the sessions.
"What parents will learn is what they can do to prevent them and their children from getting the flu, what they can do once they have it and really when it is safe for students to go back to school and when they can go back to work," Karsteaedt said.
Health officials say hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the flu and staying home when you are sick is the best way to prevent it from spreading.
"Obviously if you're touching other objects, you're shaking hands and you're kissing, you're going to be spreading this virus particularly if you're sick. So if you're sick we want you to stay home," Director of Denver Public Health Dr. Chris Urbina said.
School and health officials are also encouraging families to get vaccinated, especially high-risk populations like children, the elderly and people with immune deficiencies.
Seasonal flu vaccines are already available but the H1N1 vaccine is not expected out until mid-October.
Urbina says you may have the flu if you have a fever of more than 100 degrees, sore throat, body aches and headaches and you should see your doctor immediately for a diagnosis.
He welcomes families from across the community to attend the informational sessions.
