April 27, 2009

 

 

Dear Parents:

 

In the last few days, both local and national media have provided significant coverage of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) infection. The school district wanted to take this opportunity to provide you, as well as community members, with some basic information and resources that you might find helpful.

 

The school district has been in communication with the Schenectady County Department of Health and our safety and health consultants as they monitor this situation. The school district has been told that epidemiologists at the state and federal level are gathering information about the flu cases identified in the Queens area of New York City. At this time, no restrictions or specific recommendations for change have been called for in terms of school district or community interaction.

 

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.

 

Our school staff continues to take steps to enhance student hygiene and the cleanliness of our school facilities as we gather information about Swine Flu. Parents should speak to their children and all family members about the basic preventative measures that are used in stemming the spread of flu. These measures include:

 

—         Hand-washing – teach your child to wash his/her hands frequently during the day, using warm water (where available) and soap. Children should wash their hands for 20 seconds or approximately the length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. If hand-washing facilities are not available, hand sanitizers may be appropriate.

—         The Yard Stick Rule – stay 3 feet (a yard stick) away from somebody who is coughing or sneezing.

—         Cough and sneeze etiquette – do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Use a tissue or cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.

 

The New York State Department of Health has posted a website to provide community members with information on Swine Flu, as well as a phone number that can be called for more information or with questions. The page can be found at:

 

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/

 

The school will continue to monitor any changes or information related to Swine Flu, and work closely with our County Department of Health. In the interim, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at 382-1215.

 

 

 

Susan M. Swartz

Superintendent of Schools