H1N1 Update

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October 14, 2009

Dear Staff, Students, Parents and Guardians,

We are aware of the potential for an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus in Port Townsend schools this fall and winter.  Health officials have reported that school-aged children (especially younger children) are more at risk for the H1N1 virus, as their symptoms may be more severe than those in adults.

Both the Jefferson County Health Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have excellent materials on their websites concerning the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.  You may access the Jefferson County Health Department’s website at http://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website is located at http://www.flu.gov.

It is unlikely we will close our schools for H1N1 flu, unless we have a high number of students and staff absent due to widespread outbreak of the virus.  We will work with the health department in making this decision.  Individuals who have influenza (seasonal or H1N1-like) symptoms will be sent home as per the guidelines we have received from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  We encourage you and your family to take precautions against the influenza virus this flu season.  See the list below for some helpful suggestions to lessen the spread of viruses:

• Wash hands often using soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizer where available.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• Promptly dispose of used tissues.
• Do not share food, utensils, or beverages with others (do not drink out of the same water bottles at sporting events or during meals).
• Avoid close contact with sick people.

Please check with your health care provider or our local health department if you have further questions.  Additional web sites that provide information on the flu (symptoms, when to stay home, suggestions for reducing the risk of catching the flu and a host of other information) are listed below.  Please follow the links below to learn more about prevention and treatment.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington State (OSPI)

http://www.k12.wa.us/HealthServices/H1N1Flu.aspx

Washington State Department of Health

http://www.doh.wa.gov/

The Center for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/