Department of Health Releases Guidance on Novel H1N1 Influenza for Schools K-12

Webinars held with school districts statewide in preparation for the upcoming
flu season

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Secretary of Health
today released guidance on Novel H1N1, also known as swine flu, for elementary
and secondary schools in an effort to keep kids and staff healthy and flu-free
this school year.

"The most important message for parents is that sick children should not go to
school. The same applies to teachers and staff. If you are sick, the best
place to be is at home," said Secretary of Health Everette James.

"Pennsylvania schools should take steps to prepare for swine flu this fall and
winter because this virus has had a significant impact on children between the
ages of five and 19 years. The revised guidance provides recommendations to
mitigate the impact of influenza in schools, as well as limit the spread once
flu is identified among students or staff members," James added.

The department's guidance is compatible with recently released recommendations
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The guidance is
meant to limit the spread of influenza while reducing disruption to schools.

Hand washing, cough etiquette and keeping the environment clean can also
significantly help reduce the spread of disease.

The Department of Health is recommending that those who are sick with
influenza-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no
longer have a fever and are no longer taking medication to reduce the fever.
In most cases of flu, this means three to five days after the onset of
illness.

The Department of Health strongly encourages school districts to work closely
with local or state health officials to determine the best course of action
should an outbreak happen.

The departments of Health and Education are holding a series of webinars with
school districts across the state to talk about the new school guidance and to
share what is expected this coming school year.

"We will work closely with schools and child care facilities to help them be
on the lookout for children showing signs of influenza and have appropriate
response measures in place," Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak said.
"School district officials should also maintain close contact with their local
health departments and make every effort to share flu prevention information
to families."

Symptoms of the new influenza virus are similar to those of regular or
seasonal flu and include sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue,
and lack of appetite. Many people with this infection also have runny nose,
sore throat, and watery eyes, and some also have nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.

Individuals with the flu are contagious to others. It is important to take the
following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:
-- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;
-- Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly
dispose of used tissues;
-- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
-- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and
getting plenty of rest and exercise; and

-- Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.

The Department of Health will continue to provide guidance to parents and the
schools, including information on the development and availability of the
Novel H1N1 flu vaccine, as the influenza season progresses.

For more information on Novel H1N1, contact the Department of Health at
1-877-PA-HEALTH or visit www.health.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Stacy Kriedeman, Dept. of Health
(717) 787-1783
Mike Race, Dept. of Education
(717) 983-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health; Pennsylvania Department of
Education

Stacy Kriedeman of the PA Dept. of Health,+1-717-787-1783, or Mike Race,
Pennsylvania Department of Education, +1-717-983-9802