H1NI Update
The pandemic H1N1 strain continues to spread in Oregon. Some schools in the state have had 30 percent or more of staff or students out ill. The Crater Campus has not been hit that hard and hopefully we will be able to continue to take necessary precautions to keep the spread of the virus down until the vaccine becomes available. It's important to remember that for most people, this flu is not more dangerous than the regular seasonal flu. Most people who contract H1N1 will have flu symptoms for 7-10 days and then get better. For the overwhelming majority, the best treatment is to stay home, get plenty of rest and fluids, and treat it as you would the regular flu.
Teachers are aware of the possibility that students may be missing more school and are making preparations to be able to be as flexible as possible with class activities so students can work from home or make up work when they return.
It will be very important for all of us that everyone takes steps to keep themselves healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you and your family may keep from getting sick with the flu at school and at home:
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze
- Keep your child home if he/she is sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine)
- Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available
If your child becomes sick at school we will notify you immediately and in order to protect the health of everyone else we ask that you pick him/her up as soon as possible.
Additional Swine Flu information, updated daily:
- Swine Flu Hotline for parents: 1-800-978-3040
- Updated Department of Human Services website: www.flu.oregon.gov