Swine Flu Information for Parents UPDATE - May 20, 2009

As of May 18, 2009 the Mercer Island School District has received notice of 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu, 3 at Islander Middle School, 2 at Mercer Island High School and 2 at West Mercer, per parent report. The students have been absent from school during their illness and recovery phase, following Public Health guidelines.  Cases continue to be found, so please carefully monitor your child's health.  We understand parents are concerned, so we want to help everyone learn more about the illness and the school district plans.

This new flu virus is now in our community and is here to stay for at least a while. It’s possible that other students in our schools have the flu, too. It’s important to keep in mind that the H1N1 virus has been relatively mild, similar to the level of illness we see with seasonal flu each winter.  As with seasonal flu, we will continue to operate schools as usual.

Public Health has updated the flu 'tool kit' for parents and staff on May 12, 2009 and is available here.

The tool kit includes:

• Parent guidelines on when to keep your child home from school
• FAQ about H1N1 flu
• Flu symptom checklist
• Guidance on caring for persons with the flu

Thank you for following Public Health guidelines as you cover your coughs, wash your hands, and stay home when you are sick.

Swine Flu in people is characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you or your child is showing mild flu-like symptoms, monitor and consult with your health practitioner immediately. Students who exhibit flu-like symptoms at school will be sent home and parents will be urged to seek advice from their health practioner.

Mercer Island School District wants to remind parents and staff members of the importance of prevention and how to stay safe.

What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• If you are sick, stay home.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

• Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue.

Please remember that students should stay home when they have any of the following symptoms: fever (temperature 100 degrees or higher), vomiting or diarrhea, blistery rash, heavy nasal congestion or frequent cough and if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Preparing Schools for Swine Flu

OSPI has launched a new webpage to assist in answering school related questions about the swine flu outbreak. Here is a link to the website. OSPI staff will be monitoring the status of the current flu outbreak, reviewing questions that arise, and updating the webpage as needed.

If you have any questions feel free to call the Seattle King County Public Health Department at (206) 296-4949 or visit the Centers for Disease Control, or specifically for swine flu. OSPI offers information on pandemic flu at their website. Washington State Department of Health offers information on swine flu. See the World Health Organization for epidemic and pandemic alert and response information. The Federal Department of Education offers swine flu guidance at this blog. For a map of confirmed cases of swine flu across the world, click here.

School Nurses for Mercer island School District:

Joy Dunne, RN, MEd,
Bonnie Barthelme, RN, BSN, MN
Shelley Sage, RN, BSN