Health Information - Influenza
Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can occur. The H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection caused by an Influenza virus. Most of the cases of H1N1 Flu which have occurred in the U.S. have been mild.
The symptoms of H1N1 Flu appear to be similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
To lower your risk of influenza of contagion of H1N1 Flu, follow common sense measures:
- CONTACT - avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- CONTAIN - if you know you are sick, stay home from work & avoid public places.
- COVER - cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
- CLEAN - wash your hands with soap and water often.
Currently there is no vaccine available for this form of the flu, but the anti-flu medications Tamiflu and Relenza are effective if taken within the first 48 hours of becoming ill.
ANTI-VIRAL MEDICATIONS:
- Anti-flu medications can reduce the duration and severity of the Flu.
- If you want to use an anti-viral medication, call your physician as soon as you suspect you may have the Flu.
- There is a medication which can be given as a preventative if you have had exposure to the Flu.
Should any student or staff member be diagnosed with Influenza and have further testing for H1N1 Flu, that individual should remain home for 7 days after the onset of the illness or 24 hours after symptoms resolve, whichever is longer, which is the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Should cases of Swine Flu occur in our district, we will follow the advice and any directives issued by our local Department of Health.
Swine Flu cannot be transmitted from eating cooked pork or pork products, however, hands should be washed carefully after handling raw pork products.
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