Lansingburgh Central School District

We are preparing for the first day of school for students on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 and the Lansingburgh Central School District would like to update you on the current status of Novel H1N1 influenza virus, commonly referred to as “swine flu”.

As with any influenza virus, including seasonal flu, there is the potential for transmission in our schools and community. It is important to remind students and the community of the means of transmission and preventative measures which should be taken, as well as guidance, should someone display flu-like symptoms. Flu viruses are spread from person to person primarily through coughing and sneezing. They may also be spread when a person touches droplets from a sneeze and/or cough from another person or touches an object that was sneezed or coughed on and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands. Public health officials believe that symptoms of the H1N1 flu appear within seven days after exposure. The symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu and include fever of 100° F or greater, a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. While most of the flu cases have been relatively mild, severe illness has occurred in some cases. If you or someone in your family becomes ill and experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical care.

Symptoms in children requiring emergency medical attention include fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish or gray skin color, inability to drink sufficient fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or appearing to be incoherent, being particularly irritable, and flu-like symptoms initially improving but then returning with a fever or more severe cough.

Symptoms in adults requiring emergency medical attention include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, flu-like symptoms initially improving but then returning with a fever or more severe cough.

The school district will continue to educate and inform students and staff about preventative measures and infection control. Our nurses and administrators will be working closely with the school physician and the Rensselaer County Department of Health as necessary. It is important that the following measures are taken to minimize the spread of the influenza virus:

Individuals with influenza-like illness should stay home, not attend school or events outside of the home for at least seven days, and should seek medical care. Individuals should be symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Everyone should practice basic flu prevention measures including coughing and sneezing into tissues which are promptly disposed of, or into one’s upper shirt sleeve if a tissue is unavailable. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
To the extent possible, avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Avoid touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

The Center for Disease Control has indicated that manufacturers are currently working on vaccines to prevent the transmission of the H1N1 flu virus, and that these vaccines may be available this fall to those persons who are determined to be at the greatest risk of exposure. You can learn more about the H1N1 influenza virus as well as seasonal flu, at the New York State Department of Health’s website, www.health.state.ny.us. The school district will also post information on www.lansingburgh.org, as it becomes available.

Update Regarding Swine Influenza (Flu)