Swine Flu and Your Child

Update:  The CDC has changed its guidelines around the Swine Flu, no longer recommending school closure.  To read the full set of updated recommendations, click here:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm

What are the Signs of Swine Flu in People?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How Can I Help Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu?

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can to do preventing getting and spreading influenza:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What Steps Has Charleston County School District Taken to Help Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu?

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) are working together to prevent the spread of swine flu, following guidance from the CDC and U.S. Department of Education.  Principals and nurses have been sent tips and guidelines for school-based prevention.  Multiple communications have been sent to parents, including:

• Script of ParentLink Call sent to CCSD parents on 4/28/09 or 4/29/09
• Swine Flu Fact Sheet sent home to parents 4/28/09- English
• Swine Flu Fact Sheet sent home to parents 4/28/09- Spanish
• Swine Flu Letter sent home to parents 4/28/09- English
• Swine Flu Letter sent home to parents 4/28/09- Spanish

How Can I learn More About Swine Flu?

More information about the virus and an updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm.

Have questions?  Need answers?  For more information on Swine Flu, please call DHEC at (843) 953-0095.  To learn more about the precautions CCSD is taking, please contact CCSD's Office of Communications at 937-6303.