Pandemic Flu Planning
Please click here to read a September 2009 informational letter from the Superintendent regarding the flu. Action steps for parents if school is dismissed or children are sick and must stay home can be downloaded by clicking here.
April 29, 2009
Dear Parents,
As you may be aware, there are identified cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Maine. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is carefully monitoring the situation and providing information to schools. MSAD #15’s administrative team and school nurses met to review our procedure to facilitate the health and safety of our students and school community.
The Maine CDC has recommended that schools and other child care settings review respiratory hygiene guidelines and monitor students and staff for acute respiratory illnesses. All schools have been directed to share this information with our students and parents in order to prevent the transmission of infections such as influenza.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Please stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a fever and are coughing and sneezing.
- Do not send students to school to be checked by the school nurse. Students presenting at school with a fever and respiratory symptoms will be sent home.
- If you are sick you should stay home for at least 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms (fever of 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, body aches, and or nausea and vomiting) are gone to make sure you are symptom free.
- Be sure to drink fluids, practice good nutrition, get plenty of rest, and avoid others who are ill.
- You should seek medical care if symptoms get worse.
Should our school or community have a medically confirmed case of Swine Flu, it is possible that our schools could be closed for 7 calendar days to reduce the risk of transmission. This decision would be made in conjunction with the Maine Center for Disease Control. Please be aware that this is only a possibility, but we should all be planning ahead.
You can access more information at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www. pandemicflu.gov where you will find a planning checklist for individuals and families that may be helpful. Our school nurses will continue to monitor the health of our students and staff and provide you with any needed updates regarding the flu outbreak.
Sincerely.
Victoria Burns
Superintendent