 |
 |
|
Swine Flu Virus - Important Info
Dear Parents,
This letter is to inform you that the State of New York has entered a heightened surveillance
stage resulting from the presence of a swine flu virus that is making people sick in several
states, including New York State, and also in Mexico. Although, to date, only mild illness has
occurred in the United States, we realize that many people are worried and we hope this letter will help
address your concerns. Despite confirmed cases of swine flu in a private school in Queens, New York
City, we believe students can safely attend classes and schools will remain open at this time (with the
exception of the school in Queens at which confirmed cases were discovered).
At this time, the state and local health departments have advised us that students can continue to come to
school, as long as they are not sick and do not think they have flu symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include:
fever (over 100 degrees F.), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional
symptoms may be experienced with swine flu, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or
diarrhea.
Flu spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend
school or go anywhere else—such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events—where other people
would be exposed to flu germs. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce their risk of
getting the flu and protect others from infection.
-
Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20
seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
-
Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well,
as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always
read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
-
Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth,
nose, or eyes.
-
Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of
their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve—not your hands!
-
Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing
them yourself.
If we all practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread of swine flu in our school at
this time. We are consulting with local health officials regarding best cleaning practices for infection
control in our buildings.
While the current situation does not warrant school closure, if swine flu continues to spread and more
students become ill, it may become necessary to close schools for a period of time. We are working with
our School Medical Director and County Health officials to monitor the situation here and will make all
decisions in consultation with them and state officials. We will inform parents immediately if the situation
changes and it becomes necessary to close schools.
If schools are closed, please do not make arrangements—such as sending children to a friend’s home or
group childcare—that will put them in close contact with other children. It is important to plan ahead.
Have a family discussion now to consider options in advance of the event of a school closing.
Please stay informed by paying attention to media reports. You may also get information at
www.cdc.gov, www.nyhealth.gov, www.schoolhealthservicesny.com, or the 24 hour toll-free hotline that
New Yorkers across the State can use to get answers to their questions. The hotline is 1-800-808-1987.
You may also check out the district website at www.wappingersschools.org. Information will be posted as
we receive it from the Department of Health.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.