Parents everywhere are preparing for, or are already involved in, another school year. If you are a parent, you need to add one more item to your back-to-school checklist: what to do if someone in your family gets the flu.
This fall, we not only have to plan for a new version of seasonal influenza, but also for a potentially serious strain, the 2009 H1N1 (or Swine Flu) virus. Scientists believe this virus could worsen with the arrival of a new school year. Being prepared lessens the chances that our students could contract the Swine Flu.
The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu. They could include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, achiness, headache, chills and fatigue. These are sometimes accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 can be serious for some individuals.
Most precautions for preventing flu are simple and personal. Keep your child at home if they're sick, and begin planning now in the event that your child contracts the flu. No one knows what impact the fall flu season will have until we're in the middle of it. How severe the flu becomes this fall will depend on how seriously each of us takes precautions to reduce the risk .
At the national level, the Food and Drug Administration expects to have a vaccine ready this fall. The Limestone County School System will keep school communities updated with the latest information we receive. If you have questions or concerns contact your healthcare provider or school nurse.
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