Health Information
Middle School
By Valerie Lore
Type A (H1N1) Influenza Information
We have students in the Sullivan School District with confirmed cases
of type A influenza. These students are not currently at school and have
been treated for this illness. Our school nurses screen at risk students
daily, to monitor any further spread of the virus. Due to large numbers
of type A influenza cases throughout the state, the state health department
are no longer testing samples for H1N1 (swine flu), because the course of
treatment is the same for all types of influenza. For all flu cases, the
recommended treatment is rest, fluids and fever reducers.
Because we anticipate new cases of the flu being diagnosed and confirmed on an
ongoing basis, we will not be sending out parent notification each time
we learn of a new case. At this time, you can assume the flu is
in the community. If the number of cases should require changes in
the schools schedule or daily operations, we will notify you immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend closing schools
due to suspected or confirmed cases of influenza A or H1N1. The Sullivan
School District and the Department of Health work closely together
to monitor the situation and to protect our students, staff and our community.
We encourage you and your family to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu as
soon as possible. This will offer protection against at least the 3 flu viruses
expected this year. In addition the vaccine for H1N1 is still being finalized.
Our community will be notified when and where these shots will be available
in Franklin County. Remember to always practice hand washing, covering
coughs and sneezes and stay home when sick. We will continue to clean our
classrooms and buildings per county health department recommendations.
As a reminder sick students should stay home for 3-5 days and fever free
for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications. Flu-like symptoms
include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Please contact Dr. and notify the school if your child exhibits any of
these symptoms. If you have any questions, please contact the nurse at
your child's school or the Head RN, Mrs. Valerie Lore at 1-573-468-5191
ext. 108. For more information please visit the CDC web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call the Franklin County health dept. at
1-636-583-7300
