H1N1 Flu Update

2009-10 

STUDENTS SHOULD NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL

·         they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine

·         they are feeling well, able to tolerate activity, and will be able to participate in the school day

            Contact the school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

WHEN CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH ILI, YOU SHOULD

·         check with your health care provider about any special care they might need

·         check with your health care provider about medications they should take

·         keep the sick child(ren) away from others as much as possible

·         have them drink extra fluids to keep from being dehydrated

·         have them get plenty of rest

·         cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands often with soap and water

·         have them stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone (without use of fever-reducing medicine)

·         contact their health care provider if they are getting better and then worsen

·         watch for warning signs that might indicate you need to seek urgent medical attention (difficulty breathing or chest pain; purple or blue discoloration of the lips; vomiting and unable to keep liquids down; signs of dehydration such as dizziness or lack of urination; less responsive than normal or becomes confused; has seizures)

STEPS TO LESSEN THE SPREAD OF FLU IN THE HOME

When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, here are the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick.

·         keep the sick person home and away from other people as much as possible, especially others who are at high risk for complications from influenza

·         have everyone in the household clean their hands with soap and water often

·         ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person should take antiviral medications

·         if you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. Infants should not be cared for by sick family members.

·         keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom.) Keep the sickroom door closed.

·         if possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom which should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant (see below)

·         the sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers

IF YOU ARE THE CAREGIVER

·         avoid being face-to-face with the sick person

·         when holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face

·         clean your hands with soap and water after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues or laundry. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

·         talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu

·         if you are at high risk of influenza-associated complications, you should not be the designated caretaker, if possible

·         if you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If possible, designate a person who is not at high risk of flu-associated complications as the primary caretaker of household members who are sick with influenza.

·         monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact your health care provider if symptoms occur

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING, LAUNDRY, AND WASTE DISPOSAL

·         throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste

·         keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label

·         linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first

·         wash linens (bed sheets, towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water right after handling dirty laundry.

·         wash eating utensils either in a dishwasher or by hand with soap and water

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit: www.flu.gov
Contact CDC 24 Hours/Every Day at 1 (800) 232-4636