As the flu season approaches, I would like to share the following recommendations made by the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment for the prevention of the spread of illness. This information is particularly important to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.  The recommendations are:

• WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY, especially after coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose.  Wash hands for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.  Soap and water are the first preference.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. 

• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.  Throw the tissue in the trash after use.  If a tissue is not available cough or sneeze into the elbow. 

• Avoid large crowds.  People should try to maintain a distance of 3 to 6 feet apart to prevent the spread of disease. 

• STAY HOME IF ILL!!  Your child should be free of a fever for 24 hours (without use of fever reducing medication) before returning to school.  A fever is defined as a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.  Parents should have a plan for picking up sick children and caring for ill family members.  With the H1N1 flu anticipate that the illness will last approximately 5-7 days. 

The Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 to watch for include:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees
• Body aches, chills
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Respiratory congestion
• In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

There are currently no confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus in Osage County.  The virus may survive on surfaces for 2-3 days.  Risk is reduced with routine cleaning of high-traffic surfaces such as doorknobs, stair railings, student desks, computer keyboards, etc.  Surfaces may be cleaned with regular detergent and water.  A bleach and water solution is not required.  

Resources for more detailed information regarding the H1N1 flu include: www.kdheks.gov/H1N1 / www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu