The following update was received from CDPHE re:H1N1.
Schools will be starting up again in CO in the following weeks. CDC's
stance on school closure is very different today than it was in the Spring:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/K12_dismissal.htmPlease make sure your sharing this information with your school districts.
- School dismissal is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school?s ability to function.
- Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
- Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.
- Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of novel H1N1 influenza virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. Refer to pediatric medical management for guidance regarding use of any medications, especially those containing aspirin. (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinicians/ )
- Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
- Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in other neighborhood and community settings outside of school.
- School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.
- Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Kathleen Patrick RN, MA, NCSN
Principal Consultant - School Health Services
Prevention Initiative/ESLU
Colorado Department of Education
303-866-6779
303-866-6785 (fax)
School Nursing and Health Services website:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/RSS-Nurse.asp