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H1N1 virus update
The Wichita Public Schools continues to work closely with the Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) to monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus. It is important to understand that because this virus is a “novel” one, meaning it is a new virus never seen before, the information may change.
NEW!!! H1N1 vaccination clinics begin
The Sedgwick County Health Department held four H1N1 vaccine clinics for students at Benton, Kensler, McCollom and Person on November 13. Click here to read more.
More H1N1 vaccine clinics will be held on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20. Schools that will host the clinics on November 19 are Gardiner, Linwood, Payne, Buckner and Chisholm Trail. Schools that will host the clinics on November 20 are Franklin, Lawrence, Stanley, Lincoln, Harry Street, Mueller. Earhart will host its clinic on November 24. The vaccine will be available to students and to staff who are pregnant at those schools only.
A packet of information, including the permission slip for students to be able to receive the vaccine, will be distributed to schools when they are notified of the clinic dates. A ParentLink message will also be sent out to families to remind them of the clinic dates.
Parents are urged to turn in the permission slips ahead of time because the number of vaccines delivered to the schools is based on the number of permission slips.
Future dates for vaccination clinics at other schools have not been determined. Much will depend on when vaccines will be delivered to the Sedgwick County Health Department and the amount of vaccine that is received. Dates for the clinics will be provided to the schools as soon as the district receives notification.
No longer notifying of confirmed cases (Oct. 4)
Because it appears the H1N1 virus is widespread throughout the community, and because the health and safety precautions are the same regardless of the type of flu a student may have, the district will no longer notify parents when there is a confirmed case. Click here to read the message Superintendent John Allison to employees.
Every school nurse knows the symptoms and will monitor students to see if any show signs of the illness. More information will be posted to the website as situations change. Family members who do not have symptoms can continue to attend school, work or and other community gatherings.
Those at greatest risk for H1N1 include:
· Pregnant women,
· Children age six months to 24 years
· People age 25 to 64 years with health conditions that compromise their immune systems
What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of H1N1
· Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· If you are sick, stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Symptoms of H1N1
· Fever of 100.4, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as a fever is present.
Please remember that students should stay home when they have any of the following symptoms: fever (temperature 100.4 degrees or higher), vomiting or diarrhea, blistery rash, heavy nasal congestion or frequent cough and/or if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease. If your child shows any of these symptoms, please contact your school’s nurse.
If you have any questions, please call the Sedgwick County Health Department at 660-9370.
November 13, 2009
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