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Important Notice
April 28, 2009
Update on
Swine Flu
New York State has entered a heightened state of alert as
the result of presence of a swine flu virus that is making
people sick in several states including New York.
So far only mild illness has occurred in the United
States but we do realize that many people are worried. We hope
to address your concerns.
Despite
confirmed cases of swine flu in a private school in Queens, we
believe students can safely attend classes here.
Therefore, our schools will remain open at this time.
School and
local health officials are working together to monitor the
situation. Parents will be updated with any important
information.
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 have flu symptoms.
Flu-like
symptoms include:
- fever
(over 100 degrees F.)
-
feverishness
- cough
- sore
throat
- runny nose
- stuffy
nose
Additional
symptoms may be experienced with swine flu including:
- muscle
pain
- fatigue
- vomiting
or diarrhea
We are
consulting with local health officials regarding best practices
for infection control as well as cleaning practices for our
schools. However, to keep flu from spreading to more
people, we ask you to keep sick children home. If your
child is getting the flu, it is essential that he or she does
not attend school or go anywhere else including childcare, the
mall, sporting events, anywhere other people would be exposed to
the virus. Any child who comes to school with flu-like
symptoms or respiratory illness will be sent home.
Please teach
your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and
protect others from infection.
- Teach your
children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap
and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that's about
as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song
twice).
- 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 and 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.
- Help your
children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good
example and always doing them yourself.
If we all
practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the
spread of swine flu in our school at this time.
The current
situation does not warrant school closure, but if swine flu
continues to spread and more students become ill, it may be
necessary to close schools for a period of time. The
district continues to receive regular information and support
from the State Department of Health, the State Education
Department, the State Emergency Management Office, and the
Schenectady County Health Department. We will keep you
updated with pertinent information as it becomes available.
We will inform parents immediately if the situation changes and
it becomes necessary to close schools.
Please check
back often and stay informed. The 24 hour toll-free
hotline offers answers to your questions. Call
1-800-808-1987.
Thank you for
your cooperation in keeping our children and school healthy.
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