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http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=113417&catid=14
H1N1 on the minds of West Michigan school administrators as students start classes
Updated:9/8/2009 8:16:03 AM - Posted: 9/8/2009 8:08:26 AM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- After a long summer break, thousands of West Michigan students head back to class Tuesday.
The academic year begins as H1N1 makes a comeback, already sickening thousands of students nationwide.
West Michigan's largest school district is starting the year cautiously. Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids Public Schools sent out a letter to parents, outlining steps to prevent the spread of H1N1. It asks parents to get students vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. It also reminds children to wash their hands and be wary of sharing personal items. But the key point the district wants to hammer home, is not to sent your child to school if they're sick. Officials say any child who is showing signs of illness will be sent home immediately, and should stay home at least a day after symptoms have subsided.
Last school year, several West Michigan schools closed when a handful of students came down with suspected H1N1 flu. This year, the federal government is advising districts not to close because of the virus.
"It doesn't appear to be particularly lethal and it doesn't appear to be more lethal. The issue is how fast is it going to spread," explains Dr. Peter Katona, an associate professor of clinical medicine at UCLA.
The Centers for Disease Control reports over 9,000 hospitalizations and 593 deaths in the United States due to the H1N1 virus. A vaccine will likely be available by October.
Grand Rapids school officials also say they're stepping up sanitation procedures and will have educational sessions with students about H1N1 prevention.
H1N1 on the minds of West Michigan school administrators as students start classes
Updated:9/8/2009 8:16:03 AM - Posted: 9/8/2009 8:08:26 AM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- After a long summer break, thousands of West Michigan students head back to class Tuesday.
The academic year begins as H1N1 makes a comeback, already sickening thousands of students nationwide.
West Michigan's largest school district is starting the year cautiously. Earlier this week, the Grand Rapids Public Schools sent out a letter to parents, outlining steps to prevent the spread of H1N1. It asks parents to get students vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. It also reminds children to wash their hands and be wary of sharing personal items. But the key point the district wants to hammer home, is not to sent your child to school if they're sick. Officials say any child who is showing signs of illness will be sent home immediately, and should stay home at least a day after symptoms have subsided.
Last school year, several West Michigan schools closed when a handful of students came down with suspected H1N1 flu. This year, the federal government is advising districts not to close because of the virus.
"It doesn't appear to be particularly lethal and it doesn't appear to be more lethal. The issue is how fast is it going to spread," explains Dr. Peter Katona, an associate professor of clinical medicine at UCLA.
The Centers for Disease Control reports over 9,000 hospitalizations and 593 deaths in the United States due to the H1N1 virus. A vaccine will likely be available by October.
Grand Rapids school officials also say they're stepping up sanitation procedures and will have educational sessions with students about H1N1 prevention.