Important H1N1 Virus Information
Released by Rhonda Bromley, Public Information Office, Alpine School District

**UPDATE (October 20, 2009)** A letter written by the Utah County Health Department has been disseminated to Alpine School District parents and students. It outlines the symptoms of the H1N1 flu in addition to strongly advising parents to keep sick children at home and encouraging vaccination where available. A link to the letter that was sent home with your child is below under "Helpful H1N1 Links".

As you may already know, an outbreak of swine flu caused the United States to issue a public health emergency in the spring. Although we have had few known cases in our area, we are doing everything possible to protect the health of our students and employees.

Our district nurses are staying informed and monitoring the situation. We are working closely with the Utah County Health Department about steps that should be taken in our schools.

The custodians have received instruction and procedures from district officials about ways that the physical facilities can remain sanitized and clean.

The following are routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu:

*Children and adults should be kept home from school if they are sick. A health physician should be contacted by the parents if the child exhibits flu-like symptoms.

*Instruct children and adults to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into their elbow. This will prevent those around the child from getting sick.

*Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

*Wash hands frequently to protect against germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

*Avoid touching 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.

*Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong - and more resistant to disease - by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

Please be assured that the health and well being of our students and employees is a top priority and we are doing everything possible to address the situation.

**UPDATE (July 21, 2009)**

According to the Utah County Health Department, regular flu shots will be available starting in September and a shot specifically for the H1N1 strain, with a release date and priority for the order people will receive the shot still to be determined. It is advised that all people obtain a regular flu shot this year, particularly youth, the elderly, those who are pregnant and others who may be susceptible to the flu.

**UPDATE (August 26, 2009)**

 The federal government has indicated that the closing of schools, in most situations, is not an effective way to stop the H1N1 flu, but that local health departments will have to evaluate the various different situations as circumstances dictate.  It it still uncertain as to how serious H1N1 might be this fall and winter.  Alpine School District will work in conjuction with the Utah County Health Department to evaluate local conditions and provide recommendations.

The Medical Surge Capacity Coalition of Central Utah has published a “Flu Homecare Guide” with handy tips on flu prevention, treating loved ones at home, and other pandemic flu preparedness suggestions.  The guide is free by logging on at www.UtahCountyHealth.org/pandemic and scrolling down to “Printed Materials."  Limited supplies are available by calling 801-851-7085.  The Medical Surge Capacity Coalition of Central Utah is a partnership made up of local health departments, hospitals, and health care providers in Utah and Wasatch Counties.
 

Helpful H1N1 Links

Utah County Health Department H1N1 Influenza Informational Site (English/Spanish)

Flu Homecare Guide (courtesy of the Medical Surge Capacity Coalition of Central Utah)

Novel Influenza A H1N1 Brochure (courtesy of the Utah County Health Department)

Utah County Health Department Parent Letter