What's going on?
Many of you have asked if Influenza has arrived in Republic..
Yes, we have a few cases of Influenza-Like Illness in our school
district. A diagnosis of Influenza is confirmed by
nasal swab in the doctor's office but these swabs DO NOT subtype to
know whether it is H1N1 or not. The majority (66%) of
Influenza A cases that are circulating in the United States are
currently H1N1 and seasonal flu has not started yet therefore
doctor's are saying "It probably is H1N1"..
Should we be concerned?
The school takes all communicable diseases seriously and is
taking every precaution to help prevent the spread of all illnesses
including Influenza. All faculty and staff are making every
effort to remind students of their personal responsibility in helping
prevent the spread of germs such as good handwashing, cough/sneeze
etiquette, keeping hands away from face, not sharing drinks or other
personal items etc. Each building nurse is monitoring ill
students, current symptoms and absenteism. The information
collected is used to help guide administrative decisions and
assist the health department in disease surveillance.
Fortunately, H1N1 and other Influenza A illnesses have for the
most part been mild in nature but there have been documented cases of
severe disease and the diagnosis should be taken serious and all
precautions taken to help prevent the spread to others around you.
What do I do if?
Unless you or your child has a chronic medical condition your
doctor will probably not treat with antiviral drugs but will advise to
stay home till fever has been gone for 24 hours without
medication. The fever is lasting on average 2-4 days, so out
of school or work 3-5 days (this includes the 24 hour fever
free rule) Do not go to ball games, social gatherings, church,
school events, stay home except to seek medical care. If you or
your child have any of the following combination of symptoms call your doctor for
his/her advice: sudden onset of fever greater than 100.0, runny/stuffy nose,
cough, sore throat, muscle aches/fatigue. Some people (especially children) can
have nausea and vomiting with it but in the absence of respiratory symptoms this
is NOT the flu.
The information contained herein is not intended to take the place of your personal phyician's medical advice.