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PRECAUTIONARY SWINE FLU PREVENTION NOTICE

 
 
Precautionary Swine Flu Prevention Notice
 
Dear Parents:
 
A few cases of swine flu have been identified in California. It is important to know that at this time there are no swine flu cases identified in the Rowland Unified School District attendance area. This notice is being sent as a precautionary measure.
 
The school nurses are working with the local health department, providing preventive teaching, and monitoring the health of Rowland students to ensure appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the health of our students. Symptoms of the swine flu include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. As with seasonal flu, it is believed that the swine flu is spread by coughing and sneezing.  Here are some ways to protect your family from flu:
 
·         Keep children who are sick at home and consult your family health care provider. Don’t send your child to school if they feel ill or have a temperature of 100° F or greater.  Note: Your child’s temperature should be normal for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
·         Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.  Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
·         Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and to put used tissue in the waste basket or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.  Remind them to put used tissues in the wastebasket and wash their hands.
·         Encourage your children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
·         Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.
·         Children who are sick should stay home from school and avoid other people until they are better.  Note:  Please call the school site to inform them of the reason for your child’s absence.
·         Whenever your child is well enough to return to school, send a note with your child on the day s/he returns to school, stating the specific reason for the absence and a doctor’s note if appropriate.
·         Keep your child home for 24 hours after beginning to give a prescribed antibiotic medication or as advised by your health provider.
 
The school staff is not allowed to give medication at school, even over-the-counter medications such as non-aspirin, cough syrup, etc., without written authorization from a physician.  Please request a blank authorization form from the school office in the event your child will need any medication during school hours.
 
It is our goal to help you maintain your child’s health. You will be notified if any additional precautions are recommended.  If you have any questions, contact your child’s school nurse.
 
Sincerely,
 
Cindy Rose Escamilla MS, RN, PHN, CPNP
Health Services Specialist
 
*Letter is in Chinese, Korean and Spanish below.
 
 
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
The California Department of Education's Flu Prevention page
 
Fact sheet on swine flu (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/pdf/keyfacts.pdf
 
General Information about Swine Flu (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm
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*Below is a helpful Germ Stopper Flier by the CDC for children in English, Spanish and Chinese.* Also frequently asked questions and answers.
 
BE A GERM

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