[CCHS] Fwd: H1N1 - update

[Louisa Coleman]

Louise Coleman
Concord-Carlisle High School
500 Walden Street
Concord, MA  01742
lcoleman at colonial.net
978-341-2490 x7101

----- Original Message -----

For the listserver:
--------------

Dear Parents,

This is to inform you as of Wednesday morning, there are 5 confirmed cases
of influenza (4 from last week and 1 from this week) in students at CCHS.
These students will remain home for 7 days or until they are symptom-free
for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Several of these students are already
healthy and have already returned to school following these guidelines.

I want to dispel any rumors that there are large numbers of students out
of school. As of today, there has been virtually no change in our absences
due to illness rate. I get the feeling that there is some wishful thinking
among students that exams could get canceled due to the flu - no such luck.

We continue to monitor the illness/absence situation and again reinforce
the recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that
if your child is sick with a fever of 100 degrees or more and a cough or
sore throat they need to stay home to prevent the spread to other students
and adults in the school.  Other symptoms of the flu are headache, body
aches, chills, vomiting or diarrhea. It is also important to avoid
activities outside of school to minimize spreading the illness.

Most recent flu cases in Massachusetts have been mild but there are
certain groups that are more susceptible to severe illness such as those
with chronic health problems, children under 2 years, the elderly, and
those with a compromised immune system.

	Please remember the following steps to keep healthy and please reinforce
them with your children:
       · Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an
         alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 52%)
       · Cover your cough by sneezing into your elbow, or use a tissue and
         discard it afterwards
If you or your child is sick, stay home from work or school and if the
         symptoms are flu-like, remain home for 7 days after onset of
         symptoms even if you are feeling better or 24 hours after your
         symptoms go away – whichever is longer.
Stay informed about the latest developments on the flu

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used for fever
control but in order to be well enough to return, the temperature must be
normal for 24 hours without needing these medicines. 

For more information on flu prevention please visit the following website:
http://www.concordma.gov/Pages/ConcordMA _HealthNews/0149756F-000F8513
-Concord Health Department


Peter Badalament
Principal
Concord-Carlisle High School
500 Walden St.
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 341-2490 x. 7110