Swine Flu
Swine flu is highly contagious, spreading by airborne respiratory droplet transmission such as when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even speaks, but also by contact such as door knobs, light switches, desks and then touching their own mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know some viruses can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces and students have access to antibacterial sanitizer and are encouraged to use them frequently throughout the day. This flu can spread in two ways: through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses and also through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Infected people may be contagious 1 day before the onset of symptoms and up to 7 more days after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, may be potentially being contagious for a longer period. Symptoms of the swine flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and nasal congestion. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
I am strongly encouraging parents to keep children at home if they are displaying any of the above symptoms, and contact your health care provider for guidance. If your child has a fever keep them home until they are fever-free without medications for 24 hours. . Treatment options include rest, fluids, and non aspirin pain reducers. It is important to avoid aspirin (salicylate), especially in children, since using aspirin products have been associated with Reye’s syndrome. Antiviral medications are also proven to helpful if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Consult your physician for the treatment best suited for your situation.
Prevention is the key to protect against the swine flu. There is currently no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water for 15 seconds. Especially before you eat and cough or sneeze. When soap and water is not available alcohol based sanitizers will kill the germs on hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands next!
- Avoid touching your nose and mouth. That is how they spread the easiest!
- Get plenty of sleep, take a daily vitamin, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Stay home to avoid contact with others if you are sick.
Please note:
There are no current cases of identified swine flu in the state of Illinois. Please note the earliest indicator of swine flu is high fever and respiratory illness.
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