For several weeks, NH has been among the states where the Centers for Disease Control is reporting widespread influenza-like illness. In addition, the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is tracking school absences around the state. We know that absences due to flu-like symptoms are increasing and that health care providers’ offices are becoming much busier. In short, it is clear that the flu is in our communities, that it is spreading, and that more people will probably be affected before it peaks. Most cases of flu-like illnesses are now due to the H1N1 virus. We don’t know whether the usual, “seasonal” flu will arrive later in the fall/winter.
Public health officials continue to stress the importance of personal hygiene, including frequent hand-washing, coughing into your sleeve, not sharing food or eating utensils, etc.
There are currently no routine recommendations, from the CDC or NH DHHS, to close schools in NH because of illness or to keep healthy children home from school. However, it is important for children and staff who are sick to stay home from school, as well as from special events such as dances, birthday parties, family events and other public gatherings. Children should stay home unless seeking medical care until they have no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine. If any family members who are pregnant, have asthma or any other underlying health condition become sick with flu like symptoms, they are advised to contact a health care provider at the onset of these symptoms.
Sick students will be considered absent, but will be given time to make up work per the MCA Handbook. We do ask that you contact the school daily to let us know that your children are out because of illness and to report whether they have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea).
For more information: The NH DHHS has set up a special flu “hot-line” – just call 2-1-1 (8AM – 5PM) to talk to someone. There is also a lot of reliable information on the CDC and NH DHHS websites: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/swineflu.htm. Please contact your family health care provider or MCA if you have specific questions about your children.
Please continue to pray that God heals and protects our families.
Blessings
Rhonda Lockwood
