Take heed of swine flu precautions

We all have heard and read much about the expectation that Swine Flu, or the H1N1 influenza virus, will return early this fall. Accordingly, I thought that I should again outline to parents and guardians the steps the school district has taken and also to provide you with information regarding prevention that we all can follow.

Signs & symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

How does swine flu spread?

The spread of this virus happens in much the same way that seasonal flu spreads -- primarily it travels from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or by contact.

Those infected may be able to infect others as soon as one day before symptoms develop and up to seven more days after becoming sick. That means that we may be able to pass on the flu to another person before we even know that we are sick, as well as when we are symptomatic.

What can I do to protect my child and myself from getting sick?

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. We ask that you practice these steps daily:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Hand sanitizers are also effective. Avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are easily spread this way.

Practice other good health habits — get plenty of rest, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Stay home from work or school if you are sick and seek medical care.

Clean shared spaces more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.

I expect that there will continue to be more information shortly regarding the possibility of a vaccine and its availability. Barbara Young, who coordinates our school nurses, is in daily contact with local health officials and, through her office, we will keep you informed of the latest information we receive.

In the meantime, be assured that our custodial staff and our school nurses are taking all necessary steps to maintain as healthy an environment in our schools and in our school buses as possible. Health and safety is a cooperative effort between the school and the family. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the health office or, if you feel ill, call your health care provider for instructions.

Comments about this column? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.