Post by doctorwho on Oct 22, 2009 14:04:30 GMT -6
Indian Prairie superintendent: Assume your child has contact with flu
Comments
October 21, 2009
From Staff Reports
AURORA -- The Indian Prairie School District's superintendent has advised parents that the district will not be sending out notices when individual students contract swine flu.
In a message sent Tuesday, Superintendent Kathy Birkett said parents should assume there are students with swine flu, also known as H1N1 virus. Because rapid tests often produce false results and because some people showing symptoms do not seek medical attention, the health department does not recommend that schools notify parents for each case, Birkett said.
"It is very difficult, if not impossible, to know how many 'official' cases we have in our schools," Birkett wrote. "The county health department has advised that schools not depend on individual test results as the basis for routine decision making."
Parents should assume that swine flu and regular flu are everywhere, and they should monitor their child's symptoms. Birkett also recommended reviewing plans for child care, if a child would have to stay home with the flu.
"Become aware of flu symptoms and know when to seek medical assistance, especially if your child has an underlying medical condition," she wrote.
If 10 percent or more of the student population were showing flu-like illness, then the district would notify parents. In the meantime, the district encourages students to stay home if they are not feeling well, Birkett said.
For more information on the district's flu policies and practices, visit the district's Web site.
Comments
October 21, 2009
From Staff Reports
AURORA -- The Indian Prairie School District's superintendent has advised parents that the district will not be sending out notices when individual students contract swine flu.
In a message sent Tuesday, Superintendent Kathy Birkett said parents should assume there are students with swine flu, also known as H1N1 virus. Because rapid tests often produce false results and because some people showing symptoms do not seek medical attention, the health department does not recommend that schools notify parents for each case, Birkett said.
"It is very difficult, if not impossible, to know how many 'official' cases we have in our schools," Birkett wrote. "The county health department has advised that schools not depend on individual test results as the basis for routine decision making."
Parents should assume that swine flu and regular flu are everywhere, and they should monitor their child's symptoms. Birkett also recommended reviewing plans for child care, if a child would have to stay home with the flu.
"Become aware of flu symptoms and know when to seek medical assistance, especially if your child has an underlying medical condition," she wrote.
If 10 percent or more of the student population were showing flu-like illness, then the district would notify parents. In the meantime, the district encourages students to stay home if they are not feeling well, Birkett said.
For more information on the district's flu policies and practices, visit the district's Web site.