• COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

    SWINE FLU (H1N1)

    As you may know, the H1N1 flu virus is present in our community, state and throughout the nation. Our school district is working closely with the Marin Health & Human Services to monitor flu conditions and to make the best decisions concerning our schools. All district decisions regarding the health and safety of our students and staff will be made according to CDC guidelines. We will continue to closely monitor our schools and children, respond to any public health announcements and rapidly provide information on our website and automated phone system.

    We ask for your help in attending to your health and the health of our students. The symptoms of the H1N1 influenza virus infection are fever of 100 degrees or higher with cough. Other symptoms may include sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. The seasonal flu vaccine does not offer protection against this particular virus.

    Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family

    • Practice good hand hygiene — wash your hands properly and often. Use a hand-sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Cover your cough — with a tissue, or sneeze into your sleeve.
    • Children and adults who are sick should stay home from school or work and stay away from other people who are sick.
    • Check with your health care provider about getting yourself and your children vaccinated for seasonal (regular) flu now and H1N1 flu when available.

    Our teachers and staff will also be stressing the importance of frequent hand washing and "sneezing in your sleeve." If flu symptoms occur at school, students and staff members will not be allowed to remain at school.

    For more information, visit the links on this page. If you have a particular concern about the flu, please call your personal physician.


    RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

    Are You at High Risk for H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
    High-risk Marin County residents can get vaccinated at FREE H1N1 vaccination clinics on the following dates: Dec. 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31. These vaccinations are by appointment only (call 473-6007). Please see the flyer for high risk guidelines and additional details.
    — GET vaccination clinics flyer (pdf)

    On Sept. 30, TUHSD representatives attended an informational meeting for parents, school officials and the public, sponsored by the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) about Swine (H1N1) Flu. Some of the topics covered were: steps being taken by Public
    Health and the schools, parents’ role in prevention and treatment, outlook for the flu season, and vaccination availability. PDFs from the presentations are available:
    — Seasonal and Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza Prevention, by Anju Goel, MD, MPH, Deputy Public Health Officer, Marin Health and Human Services
    — School Response to H1N1 Flu, by Marin County Public Health Department, District Schools, MCOE, Marin School Nurses Organization

    Prevention is Still the Best Strategy
    — September News Release (from MCOE)

    HELPFUL LINKS
    Local:
    Marin County Office of Education (MCOE)
    Marin Influenza Information
    Marin County Health & Human Services
    State:
    California Department of Public Health (Swine Flu)
    California's H1N1 Vaccine Website
    Federal:
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    If you have additional questions
    —     Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.