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GISD Prepares Students and Parents for the Return of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
GALVESTON, Texas ? Galveston Independent School District announced a campaign to promote hand-washing and proper respiratory etiquette throughout the district to prevent illness from the H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu, today. Based on the latest recommendations from the Galveston County Health Department (GCHD), the U.S. Department of Education, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), students diagnosed with H1N1 must stay home seven days and be fever-free for 24 hours before they return to school. Those with flu-like symptoms not diagnosed with H1N1 must stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
?While we do not face an immediate threat from the flu, there is a chance it could return and we want everyone to be prepared,? said Galveston ISD Superintendent Lynne Cleveland. ?We feel the updates to the H1N1 policy will cut down on absences and the spread of illness among the student population. I encourage parents to help with proper hygiene practices, to keep children home when they are sick, and to keep those who are sick away from other children.?
Officials urge students and teachers to wash their hands on a regular basis or use approved hand sanitizer frequently. They should also cover their noses and mouths while coughing and sneezing. Signs detailing proper techniques for hand-washing and steps to prevent the spread of H1N1 will be posted in classrooms throughout GISD.
There have been nearly 50 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Galveston County since the outbreak of the virus earlier in 2009. While those cases became less frequent over the last few months, government officials recently predicted H1N1 could make a return this fall. The virus disproportionately affects young people, making prevention practices and awareness critical to keeping children healthy.
For more information, please go to www.flu.gov or the Galveston County Health District website.
GALVESTON, Texas ? Galveston Independent School District announced a campaign to promote hand-washing and proper respiratory etiquette throughout the district to prevent illness from the H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu, today. Based on the latest recommendations from the Galveston County Health Department (GCHD), the U.S. Department of Education, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), students diagnosed with H1N1 must stay home seven days and be fever-free for 24 hours before they return to school. Those with flu-like symptoms not diagnosed with H1N1 must stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
?While we do not face an immediate threat from the flu, there is a chance it could return and we want everyone to be prepared,? said Galveston ISD Superintendent Lynne Cleveland. ?We feel the updates to the H1N1 policy will cut down on absences and the spread of illness among the student population. I encourage parents to help with proper hygiene practices, to keep children home when they are sick, and to keep those who are sick away from other children.?
Officials urge students and teachers to wash their hands on a regular basis or use approved hand sanitizer frequently. They should also cover their noses and mouths while coughing and sneezing. Signs detailing proper techniques for hand-washing and steps to prevent the spread of H1N1 will be posted in classrooms throughout GISD.
There have been nearly 50 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Galveston County since the outbreak of the virus earlier in 2009. While those cases became less frequent over the last few months, government officials recently predicted H1N1 could make a return this fall. The virus disproportionately affects young people, making prevention practices and awareness critical to keeping children healthy.
For more information, please go to www.flu.gov or the Galveston County Health District website.
