Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Swine Flu? Do you know what it is? If not, read on.

For those who like to follow my web page, I wish to clarify first and foremost that there have been NO CASES of Swine Flu at Black River Local School District as of this posting date. As of this posting Ohio only has one (1) confirmed case of the Swine Flu.

If you would like additional information please visit the CDC's Swine Flu website by clicking on the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

Remember your best defense is proper "hand washing" which is the #1 preventative measure according to the CDC. Teach your children and family members to sing "happy birthday " twice in their heads while washing hands to afford the recommended amount of time needed for proper washing with soap and warm water.

If a family member develops any of the following symptoms by all means do seek medical attention to assure that you do not have the influenza virus. The symptoms are as follows:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue

Note that some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

Remember that the Swine flu is thought to be spread the same as all other flu viruses which are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. (Hence, why hand washing is the #1 preventative measure).

Lastly, remember if in doubt regarding sending your child to school use your parental instinct; if they are not feeling well keep them home. Do not risk others to exposure at this time. Every one's cooperation is essential as we all do our part in and out of the school setting to assist in keeping this virus at bay for our families, friends and neighboring communities.

Nurse Donna

2 comments:

MaggieBrown said...

Since the swine flu is spread person to person, it is SO important to take a proactive approach to germ prevention. There is a great program out called Germy Wormy Germ Smart Kids. It teaches children in a mom-imaginative and cost-effective way the the above recommendations to both avoid catching AND keep from spreading germs. It is effective year-round, swine flu pandemic or not!

www.germywormy.com

Donna said...

Thanks Maggie! :-)

Nurse Donna