H1N1 Flu Communications Archive

Flu Clinics Scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21
for priority groups

Latest Information at PRSD

Staff Letter - Sept. 17, 2009

Staff Resource Letter

05-05-09 ~ 08-11-09 ~ 09-1-09 ~ 09-11-09

October 14, 2009

Dear Parents:

This update is to inform you that novel H1N1 influenza, formerly known as swine influenza, is circulating in Allegheny County as well as in our school. We have been working in consultation with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) to manage this flu season with the least discomfort and disruption for our district.

ACHD says testing for H1N1 is only being done for hospital admissions and is not recommending schools track or inform anyone of which illnesses are H1N1 cases.

We realize that many people are worried and hope this update will help address your concerns. To find out what you can do; what the school is doing; and what to do if your child is ill, click here.

Quick Facts

• PRSD continues to meet regularly with its Safety/Emergency Preparedness committees and is working with the appropriate agencies to monitor illnesses.
• The district continually takes preventative measures such as: Cleaning school facilities on a daily basis; Disinfecting all athletic dressing rooms & shower areas and providing hand dispensers in all buildings.
• H1N1 symptoms are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Health care professionals recommend that you: Keep your child home from school if he/she is sick and contact your physician and school office, if the child exhibits flu-like symptoms.
• Instruct children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Should your child be diagnosed with a mild to moderate strain of the H1N1 Flu, your child should remain home until your child is free of a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing drugs (doctors clearance may be required).

More information about H1N1 and tips for talking to your children about H1N1 can be found on the district’s Emergency Preparedness Site at: http://www.pinerichland.org/preparedness/index.htm by clicking on the parent information tab or the CDC Website at: http://www.cdc.gov/SwineFlu/.

PRSD continues to be proactive in assisting families with any health-related situations. To keep you informed, the district will utilize the following communication outlets, when warranted:

• Friday Flash/Ram Express
• PRSD Website
• PR-TV
• Rapid Notification System
  

Thank you for your support and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,
PRSD Administration Team