Visit this page to see the latest updates from the State Health Department and the 4J School District regarding the H1N1 (Swine) flu.  We will post information here as well about any information relevant specifically to our school.

For More Information--

Oregon Public Health Hotline: 1-800-978-3040, www.flu.oregon.gov
Centers for Diesase Control & Prevention: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636),  cdcinfo@cdc.gov
You can also visit the following Web site for the latest information on pandemic H1N1 flu for schools:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/index.html

H1N1 Flu Update for Schools

For more information:
Eugene School District 4J: www.4j.lane.edu
Oregon flu information: flu.oregon.gov
National flu information: www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO

8-31-09

This year’s flu season presents additional challenges due to a new influenza strain, pandemic H1N1 influenza (previously called swine flu), that is currently circulating. However, there are many ways to prevent the spread of flu.
Get vaccinated, starting with the students
• The most important step toward preventing the spread of flu is vaccination.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all staff get vaccinated for seasonal flu (a shot or nasal mist).
• School-age children should also be vaccinated against both seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza.
• While staff members are not in the first round of priority groups for pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine, it is expected that by immunizing students, spread will be slowed and that vaccine for healthy adults will be available later in the season.
• Immunization clinics for students may be held within the school, but this will vary from county to county.
Make sure everyone washes their hands
• Encourage staff and students to wash hands often with soap and water, or to use an alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water aren’t available.
Cover coughs and sneezes
• Teach students to cough and sneeze into a tissue or their sleeve, and to throw the used tissue into the trash.
• Keep tissues available in every room.
• Staff should take special care to cover their own coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their sleeve.
• Both students and staff should wash after coughing or sneezing into their hands.

Keep the environment clean
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and commonly shared items often, at least daily.
Watch for symptoms
• Carefully watch all students for symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Notify the parent if the student develops a fever (100 degrees F or higher), chills, cough, sore throat, headache or muscle aches.
• Keep the ill student away from others and send him or her home as soon as possible.
• Young children can become quite ill with influenza very quickly and might require urgent medical attention.
• If a child has difficulty breathing, is lethargic, or appears to be worsening rapidly, consider calling a physician or 911 in addition to the parent.
Stay home if ill
• Encourage parents of sick children to keep their children home and out of school until the child is free from fever (a measured temperature of 100 degrees F or higher) for 24 hours.
• Sick staff should stay home as well until fever-free for 24 hours.
Have a plan
• Prepare a plan of action in case a large number of students and/or staff become ill.
• Notify parents of this plan so they may prepare.
• Contact your local health department when increases in respiratory illness occur, or for recommendations on how to prevent the spread of influenza.
Some people are at higher risk for complications
• Students and staff with increased risk for flu complications should consult their health care providers promptly if they become ill with flu symptoms or if they have close contact with someone who is ill with flu.
• People at increased risk for complications from pandemic H1N1 influenza include pregnant women, infants, children and young adults up to 24 years of age; and those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or compromised immunity.