NOVEL INFLUENZA A (H1N1) INFORMATIONUPDATE

August 26, 2009 Novel Influenza A (H1N1) – commonly known as the swine flu – has not gone away.This new flu is still in Vermont and the rest of the country during the usually flu-freeweeks of summer. We expect that the (H1N1) virus will be circulating, along with theregular seasonal flu viruses, during this fall and winter season. However, the timing,spread, and severity of influenza illness is still uncertain.We now know more about this flu since it was detected last April. We know that the newflu virus especially affected children in schools, camps, and other group settings and thatclosing schools to minimize exposure to the flu is not the best choice in most cases, as itmay have undesired consequences, such as students being left at home alone.Our school nurses and district personnel continue to plan for the upcoming season andwill monitor this situation carefully to assess the need for appropriate action.The Center for Disease Control is recommending that all children aged 6 months up totheir 19

birthday get a seasonal flu vaccine. They also recommend that all children from6 months through 18 years of age receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available.Persons with feverish respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoidspreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, respiratory etiquette and frequent hand washing can lessen thespread of respiratory illness.For an outbreak similar to the spring 2009 H1N1 outbreak, CDC recommends steppingup basic good hygiene practices like hand washing, keeping sick students and staff awayfrom school and helping families identify their children who are at high-risk for flucomplications and would benefit from early evaluation from their physician if theydevelop the flu.Even if you are concerned that you may have been exposed to this virus through casualexposure, there is no need to seek medical attention unless you actually have flu-likesymptoms. However, people who have underlying medical conditions should consulttheir physicians regarding flu concerns if they have been exposed to someone with theflu.The CDC provided us with the following guidelines in the event of school dismissals:

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School officials should balance the risks of flu in their community with thedisruption dismissals will cause in both education and the wider community.