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Student and Staff Health - H1N1 Awareness and Prevention E-mail Dated September 2, 2009

Hello to All Rockingham County Public School Employees,

As you are probably aware, we are watching our attendance closely and monitoring numbers of students and staff who are leaving or absent from schools with flu-like symptoms. You are urged to remain mindful at all times of not only our students' health but also your personal health and health habits along with those of your family members. Please be mindful that flu-like symptoms should be regarded seriously, and absenting one's self from the school environment when experiencing these symptoms is critical to the safety and health of others.

Flu-like symptoms include fever (over 100 degrees F), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms may be experienced with the H1N1 virus, including body aches, exhaustion, and occasional vomiting or diarrhea. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that all individuals with an influenza-like illness or symptoms should remain home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), and they should avoid contact with others.

Children should receive instruction on how to reduce their risk of contracting and/or spreading the flu:.
· Avoid close contact with people who exhibit flu symptoms
· Stay home when sick and maintain distance from other people to prevent the spread of illness
· Wash hands often, with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
· Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when necessary and available in reducing the spread of the flu
· Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow
· Wash hands after blowing nose or coughing into a tissue, and dispose of tissues after use
· Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs

Division efforts are underway; while wise health habits are being encouraged, attention is also being devoted to increased cleaning and sanitation. Your assistance in working to maintain the health of our students and employees is appreciated. Vigilance on the part of each of us will help ensure smart and proactive efforts to protect ourselves and others.
Thank you,
Suzan Guynn

Suzan Guynn
Director of Human Resources
Rockingham County Public Schools
100 Mt. Clinton Pike
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802
(540) 564-3220