· Administrators and staff will be observing students for any flu-like or upper respiratory symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing), and will direct anyone exhibiting these symptoms to the school nurse.

· Federal and state officials are reminding people to observe basic infection control practices for preventing the spread of the flu:

1. Keep your child home from school until at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). A fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 Celsius or greater.

2. Remind children that the best defense is frequent hand washing (with soap or alcohol-based hand cleaner), and to avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with their hands. Germs spread that way. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or doing so in the upper sleeve – and not your hands – is also essential.

3. Routine cleaning, such as is done by SPPS custodial staff, is adequate.

4. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

· Please check the CDC web site (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) frequently for updates and revised recommendations.

Student Health and Wellness provides nursing services to students to enhance educational achievement by the modification or removal of health-related barriers to learning. The goal of the program is to assist students to be self-sufficient in managing their healthcare within age appropriate expectations thereby preparing all students for life.

If you do not find the information you are seeking today, or have suggestions for improvement, please send us an e-mail, call 651-767-8385, or fax 651-228-3649.