H1N1 Virus Information

Letter to Parents (English) , Letter to Parents (Spanish)

Message to Parent - Your Guide to Preventing the Flu and What to Do If You Get It

With H1N1 (formerly called 'swine flu') becoming a top news headline, it’s understandable that parents and staff have concerns about this illness and its possible effect on the operations of schools.

The Union County School System is following all reports and recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The district has a preparedness and response plan for pandemic illnesses, and if the situation arises, is ready to act upon it. Our efforts will be coordinated with our local health and emergency authorities, who stand ready to help us and provide direction.

Prevention is our best intervention when combating the spread of any illness, whether it is the common cold or something more serious. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy, such as:

Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners/hand sanitizers are also effective.

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Avoiding close contact with sick people.

Keeping sick children (and staff members) at home until their illness has run its course

As with any communicable illness, sick students and staff are advised to seek medical care when they are experiencing serious or unusual health symptoms.

Please note that this illness is not spread by eating or touching pork products; therefore, all pork products served as part of school meals are safe. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The Union County School System will continue to monitor reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Below are resources to help parents and staff better understand the illness, its treatment and its prevention.