H1N1 Flu Virus Information

(also known as Swine Flu)

An outbreak of H1N1 flu virus was identified in Mexico in April, 2009. CDC discontinued reporting of individual confirmed and probable cases of novel H1N1 infection on July 24, 2009. "School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function." [quoted from CDC website]
(NOTE: The above information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment — NOTE: KDHE is no longer accepting specimens from everyone who sees a doctor with symptoms. In non-hospitalized cases, confirmatory testing does not affect treatment and advice given to patients by health care providers. Unreported cases of H1N1 are occurring across Kansas and throughout the U.S. Although the presence of H1N1 has been confirmed in certain geographic areas through analysis by the state laboratory, this should not be taken to mean that the virus is not present elsewhere.

H1N1 (Swine flu) is a respiratory disease that is normally found in pigs. Normally, human beings have not been affected by swine flu, although recently, come cases have been discovered. When people get swine flu, the symptoms are similar to the symptoms from the regular human flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you, your child or other family member have these symptoms, please contact your doctor.

It is possible to prevent the spread of swine flu, and many other communicable diseases, by observing the following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• 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 this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you have any questions, please contact the nurse at your school, contact Pam Harris at (913) 627-5683.

Six Things Every Kansan Should Know About Swine Flu .pdf
[news release from Kansas Department of Health and Environment]