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H1N1 FAQ for Parents
TO: Parents of Students in District 77
FR: The District Nurses Infection Control Team
DATE: May 6, 2009

The Department of Health asks every parent and school employee to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the virus.

Recommendations for schools are as follows:

Parents: Each morning, parents and care givers should assess all family members and especially school-age children for influenza-like illness, characterized by:

A fever (100 degrees F or greater)
AND
Recent onset of at least one of the follow:
Runny Nose
Nasal congestion
Sore throat or
Cough

School employees (and volunteers) should assess themselves for influenza-like illness and stay home if symptomatic.

School employees should observe students and staff for influenza-like illness at school; refer to the School Nurse as appropriate.

Students and staff who are ill should be removed from the classroom and sent home.

Students or staff with influenza-like illness should stay home 24 hours after these symptoms resolve.

Students or staff with other symptoms, they should stay home at least one day to observe how the illness develops.

Students and staff with influenza-like illness should stay home and not go into the community unless they need medical care.

Students that are ill should not attend extracurricular activities, community activities or child care.

Frequently Asked Questions for Schools from school personnel about the current H1N1 novel influenza
(formerly known as swine influenza)

1. What are the symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory disease; symptoms of influenza include: fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, body aches and fatigue, 5/5/09.

2. What is the newest MDH guidance regarding school closures?
This virus currently appears to be acting like seasonal influenza in terms of the severity of illness and transmission of infection. Given this information, schools can remain open with appropriate isolation of the individual at home or close school at their discretion, based on public health and community assessment. 5/5/09

3. Should students and staff who are ill with influenza-like illness stay home from school and community activities?
Yes. Students or staff with influenza-like illness should stay home for at least 7 days, even if their symptoms resolve sooner. If after 7 days, the student or staff continues to have acute symptoms, he or she should stay home until 24 hours after these symptoms resolve. 5/5/09

4. Why has the guidance on school closures changed?
The information on H1N1 novel influenza that we have gathered since the start of this outbreak suggests that the new strain has spread in our community and will continue, as least for a time, to be transmitted from person to person, including children. Additionally, available information suggests that the severity of illness from H1N1 novel influenza does not appear to be greater than typical seasonal influenza. 5/5/09

5. Would it help if my child wore a mask to school during this time?
We do not recommend the use of face masks. We recommend frequent hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or coughing or sneezing into your elbow and staying home if you are sick. 5/5/09

6. If a student is ill or diagnosed with H1N1 novel influenza, should his/her siblings or others who have had close contact be allowed to return to school?
Only ill students should be excluded from school. Siblings and other close contacts should be excluded from school and school activities if they are ill. 5/5/09

7. Should we exclude students who return from affected areas?
No. Only students who are ill should stay home from schools. 4/29/09

8. Are school districts required to report to parents if there is a potential or diagnosed case of H1N1 novel influenza?
School districts are not required to notify parents of other students if a case of H1N1 novel influenza is confirmed in the school/classroom, however as with many situations schools may choose to do so. 5/5/09

Frequently Asked Questions for Schools

9. What steps should be taken in order to sanitize and clean a school facility at which there has been a reported case or outbreak?
Custodial services should follow routine cleaning and disinfection procedures for all school buildings. No special cleaning or disinfection products are recommended. Custodial services staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves when using chemical cleaners or disinfectants. 4/29/09

10. What are the H1N1 novel influenza infection prevention recommendations for schools?
At this time, MDH recommends following the CDC's Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. This website contains links to printable materials including posters for use in your school. 4/29/09 Attention: Non-MDH link

Good Health Habits Will Stop Germs.

A. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
B. Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
C. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
D. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
E. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
F. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

11. For more information call the MDH hotline: 1-800-657-3903

School Help and Information
Call 507-386-4777 for helpful information 24 hours a day on Mankato Area Public Schools, including school closings due to weather, holidays or breaks.

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