Seasonal influenza is caused by a virus and is very contagious, especially in the school setting.  It is spread by coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions.  Symptoms include: a fever over 100, muscle aches, cough, chills, fatigue, sore throat, and headache.  Students with a fever should not be sent to school with over the counter medications to mask the fever.  Their illness will be prolonged, and they are directly exposing other students and staff to their illness.  Getting plenty of rest, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of fluids, frequent hand washing, and not sharing food, drinks and utensils are very helpful in preventing the spread of seasonal flu and other illnesses as well. 

LCISD policy regarding seasonal flu or any fever related illness is that students may not return to school until there has been no fever (>100 degrees) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.  District nurses are educating staff, parents and students in the importance of good hand washing techniques, cough etiquette and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms to help control the spread of the seasonal flu.  In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, LCISD also recommends vaccinating against the seasonal flu.

For more information about the seasonal flu, visit these official websites:

• http://www.flu.gov/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Like school districts all across the nation, LCISD has been preparing for the possibility of an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus (formerly referred to as swine flu).  Last spring, schools faced unprecedented closures and cancellations as school officials worked in consultation with county and state health departments to respond to this highly contagious strain of the flu. New recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have changed leaving the decision regarding school closures up to the Superintendent and county health authority. Although the CDC is no longer recommending automatic school closure when H1N1 is present in a district, they do provide guidelines to assist school districts in managing the spread of the disease.

Although the H1N1 symptoms are relatively mild, the disease is considered highly contagious and can cause serious complications in some cases.  For that reason, LCISD has been closely monitoring health-related information and guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).  LCISD has added a comprehensive Pandemic Flu Response Plan to the existing Emergency Operations Plan and has pre-ordered necessary supplies to deal with an H1N1 outbreak.  District nurses are educating staff, parents and students about the importance of good hand washing techniques, cough etiquette and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms.  LCISD will provide extra classroom tissues and alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the fall flu season.  Currently a vaccine is being tested for the H1N1 virus, but it is not yet available to the general public. In accordance with CDC and DSHS recommendations, LCISD also recommends vaccinating against the H1N1 virus when it becomes available.

H1N1 Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 include fever greater than 100 degrees AND cough or sore throat with no other known cause.  Other symptoms may include body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.  Some with H1N1 flu also report runny nose, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.  Students or staff experiencing two or more of the symptoms above should immediately report their symptoms to the school nurse.

Education
In LCISD’s process to educate parents and staff, the district is providing the web links below.  These web links provide helpful information for preventing the spread of the flu virus. The district’s web site will continue to post up-to-date information on the spread of the H1N1 virus.

CDC Tip Sheet For Teachers

CDC Tip Sheet For Parents

The safety and well being of LCISD students is the district’s top priority. Good health and hygiene are essential to ensure effective learning. LCISD asks that parents keep students home when they have a temperature greater than 100 degrees or any two of the flu-like symptoms listed above.  Please notify the school nurse if you keep your child home with flu-like symptoms.  In addition, all physician confirmed cases of H1N1 or Type A Influenza should be reported to the school nurse.

In taking these precautions the district believes that we will prevent or avoid a significant flu outbreak on our campuses.  LCISD appreciates the parents, students and faculty’s help regarding this important health response.  LCISD will utilize parent/staff notification systems, emails, the district web site, newsletters and printed letters to keep parents informed of decisions and actions taken in response to the H1N1 virus as they occur. LCISD nurses provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise for families and staff.  Do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about campus preparations.

For more information about the flu, visit these official websites:

• http://www.flu.gov/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm