Update #2 Swine Influenza (H1N1)
May 06, 2009
Update #2 – May 6, 2009
CDC Guidelines for Managing ‘Swine Influenza’ (H1N1)
Due to new information on disease severity and the extent of community spread, the CDC (effective May 4, 2009) has released a revision to the previous guidance given regarding school closings and disease management.
1. School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
2. Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
3. Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days, even if symptoms resolve sooner.
4. Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after initially becoming ill should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
5. Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a place separate from other students and sent home.
6. Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self- monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
7. Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.
8. Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into a sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.
At this time, the CDC recommends that the primary means to reduce the spread of influenza in schools is to focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette.
For more information visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
