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Notice to Parents Regarding Swine Flu
Dear Parents:
This letter will provide you information about the new, so-called swine flu
that has appeared in some areas of the country (including several New England
states) and how that might affect students attending the Club.
Every year, people get sick with a “seasonal” flu during the fall
and winter months. However, you have probably heard that there is a new flu
virus called swine influenza that is making people sick with the same symptoms
as the seasonal flu, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, headache and body aches
(sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea).
It appears that this new swine influenza can be spread from person to person
just like any other flu virus. It has been reported that this virus has caused
illness and death in some people in Mexico. As of April 27, 2009, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 40 confirmed cases within
the US. It’s important for you to know that most people who have gotten
sick in the United States have had very mild illness. However, this situation
is evolving and we can expect that more cases will be identified.
At present, there are no reported cases of swine influenza in New Hampshire
(NH). We want to do all we can to try to prevent transmission within NH and
within our Club.
Actions you can take —
- If you or your child has recently returned from an affected geographic
area monitor for symptoms of influenza for seven days after returning. If
symptoms
occur, call your healthcare provider for evaluation (be sure to mention
your recent travel history).
- If you or your child is sick, stay home from work and the Club until
you are better. Keep sick people away from people who are not sick.
- Tell the Club staff or Program Director about your child’s symptoms so they can watch for other students with the same symptoms.
- Wash your hands well and often. Make sure your children do the same.
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.? If you can’t wash
with soap and water, use a hand sanitizer. (Gels, rubs or hand wipes with
at least 60% alcohol)
- Remind children to keep their hands away from their face – don’t
touch mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Cover your cough. Teach your children to do the same. Cough into the
inside of your elbow, or into a tissue — not your hands!
- Throw away used tissues or hand sanitizer wipes. Teach your children
to throw away tissues and then wash hands.
- Don’t share water bottles, utensils, cups, food, etc. with others.
- If people in your home are sick with the flu and cannot see a healthcare
provider, care for them at home — Give plenty of liquids (clear fluids
with electrolytes). If you are unsure what over-the-counter medications
can be safely used to reduce symptoms, if the ill person is having difficulty
breathing,
or if they are getting worse, call a healthcare provider.
- You can disinfect hard surfaces in your home with a solution made of
one ounce bleach to one gallon of water.
Upon returning to Club after Spring Break - Monday, May 4, 2009 -
If your child has been out of the United States, your child is required
to report to the Club nurse immediately upon his/her return to Club. The nurse
will provide appropriate passes for attendance purposes. All families are asked
to provide Club staff with their vacation destination(s).
Should the swine flu continue to spread, the Club district [what is this?]
will provide updates and the possible effect on Club operations.
If you have questions, call your Club nurse or healthcare provider.
It’s important to keep informed about what’s happening. You can
get more information from:
CDC website at www.cdc.go/swineflu
NH Department of Health and Human Services
o http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/default.htm
o NH Department of Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Section:
603-271-4496.
o Swine Influenza Hotline: 1-888-330-6764
The federal government keeps current information for individuals and families
at www.pandemicflu.gov
Sincerely,
Michael Goodwin
Chief Professional Officer
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