Let's see if I can copy this and make it work. It's a letter the school sent today.
My son stayed home sick with a sore throat today. I ALMOST panicked!
Sorry this is so small, but I feel better having read it.
April 30, 2009
Dear CCUSD Parents:
We are sharing the most recent information we have received from The Maricopa County Department of
Public Health in an effort to keep you continually informed about the Swine Flu. The Swine Flu has the
same symptoms as the regular seasonal flu. The reason for such high concern with this strain is because it
is a new strain and there is a need to limit infection. The strain that is occurring abroad is not consistent with
what has been seen in the U.S. It appears to be milder in the U.S. and does not appear worse than the
regular flu. However, it is something health agencies want to control.
In the event a case is diagnosed within our school district, it will be reported to the County Health
Department. The County Health Department will notify the school that this is a confirmed case. The school
district will take directives from the County Health Department as to the possibility of school closure.
Typically the advice is to close that school for 7 days. The reason for the 7 day time period is for infected
students who do not yet show symptoms.
There currently is one diagnosed case of Swine Flu in Arizona. The most severe cases have been in
Mexico. Here is what you can do to stay healthy:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people - If you are sick, stay home.
If you are traveling to Mexico and have children in a high risk category, you may ask your physician
about prophylactic antiviral use (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/antiviral_swine.htm ).
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If
you get sick, CDC recommend that you:
Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Stay in bed, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Treatment of the swine flu is the same as influenza.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your primary care doctor.
Again, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular influenza: high fever, cough, sore throat,
runny nose, body aches - some cases have nausea and diarrhea. If your child develops these symptoms,
you must keep them home.
County Health will know of every confirmed case and will report it to the school. Testing is only done on
those showing symptoms. Visit your regular health provider for testing. Families without healthcare should
contact the Community Information and Referral at the county.
We will continue to keep you updated as we receive information. Please refer to our website for helpful links
at www.ccusd93.org.
excited about our cruise. Kids are counting down, DH is finally trying on his suit (and realizing he still needs to lose a few more ##'s), and I'm trying to get everything together.
I'd be just another of those useless warm bodies!!
