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School flu pandemic strategy: Prevention
Last Update: 8:51 am
Salem (KMTR) -
Based on recommendations from the state Public Health Division, Oregon school districts have reworked their emergency influenza pandemic plans.
Now schools are being encouraged to work closely with county health departments and they are putting more emphasis on prevention, and not so much on school closures.
This week, Oregon?s Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo announced a new reporting system for school closures related to the H1N1 virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging schools across the country to remain open during the flu season. However, when a school is forced to close because too many people are sick, that school must submit a short electronic form to the CDC.
Still, the focus is prevention. School districts are already following these measures:
Advising parents to keep their children home, if their kids are showing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sneezing or sore throat.
Encouraging everyone to routinely wash their hands and teaching students proper hygiene.
Instructing students and staff to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and doing so with something other than their hands.
Advising students and staff to get the H1N1 vaccine, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.
Advising people to read up on the swine flu and the regular flu and learn about the ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Oregon?s Public Health Division has set up a flu hotline to answer questions about the H1N1 flu. The toll-free number is (800) 978-3040.
Last Update: 8:51 am
Salem (KMTR) -
Based on recommendations from the state Public Health Division, Oregon school districts have reworked their emergency influenza pandemic plans.
Now schools are being encouraged to work closely with county health departments and they are putting more emphasis on prevention, and not so much on school closures.
This week, Oregon?s Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo announced a new reporting system for school closures related to the H1N1 virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging schools across the country to remain open during the flu season. However, when a school is forced to close because too many people are sick, that school must submit a short electronic form to the CDC.
Still, the focus is prevention. School districts are already following these measures:
Advising parents to keep their children home, if their kids are showing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sneezing or sore throat.
Encouraging everyone to routinely wash their hands and teaching students proper hygiene.
Instructing students and staff to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and doing so with something other than their hands.
Advising students and staff to get the H1N1 vaccine, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.
Advising people to read up on the swine flu and the regular flu and learn about the ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Oregon?s Public Health Division has set up a flu hotline to answer questions about the H1N1 flu. The toll-free number is (800) 978-3040.
