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NASP has partnered with the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to develop and disseminate a handout for parents on talking to their children about the Swine Flu virus. "Talking to Children About Swine Flu (H1N1): A Parent Resource" is available on the NASP website at http://www.nasponline.org/resources/swineflu.aspx along with an audio version. Translated versions will be provided as soon as possible.
School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the schools ability to function.
Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.
Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.
Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isnt available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.
For additional information, call the state health hotline at 1-888-777-5320, or look for the latest information on the county website at fbcoem.org or the state health department website at www.dshs.state.tx.us.
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