Communicable Diseases, Including H1N1 Flu

As the new school year begins, it is important to prepare for potential illnesses your child or family may encounter.  To remain informed regarding the latest information regarding all communicable diseases, including the H1N1 flu virus, the Re-3 School District is in close contact with the Northeast Colorado Health Department and the School Health Services Division of the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).  We hope the attached information regarding the flu, and the H1N1 virus in particular, will be of interest to you.   

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 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 themselves and others from infection. 

• Teach your children to wash their hands often.  Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal.

• 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!

• Health professionals generally recommend getting the seasonal influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available.  Consult your family physician for information on influenza vaccinations.

• Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.

According to the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control School, closure of school is not advised for suspected or confirmed cases of influenza unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. 

The Re-3 School District encourages parents to keep children at home if they have flu-like symptoms. Students should remain out of school until they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever lowering medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Schools in the Re-3 School District schools do not require students to have a note from their doctor before returning to school following a suspected case of the flu.

Please feel free to contact a school nurse or the principal at your child’s school if you have questions.

If we all practice good hygiene, we can limit the spread of both seasonal influenza and Novel H1N1 influenza in schools at this time.