Health Dept. and School District work on awareness of H1N1

As the school year begins the Gilchrist County Health Department is working diligently with the school system to make sure students and parents have the information they need regarding Seasonal Flu and H1N1(Swine Flu). The health department has been working hard to provide administration, teachers and students with the information that they need regarding the flu and how it may affect our community and our schools.

Each of the county’s four schools received a shipment of sanitizing wipes
and disinfectant spray courtesy of the Gilchrist County School District.

In the coming weeks it will be important that parents understand that the school system and the health department will be depending on them to ensure the health of their children as well as others. “We know that this virus is in our state and our community, and right now our best defense against a flu outbreak is prevention” said Sable Bolling, Administrator of the Gilchrist County Health Department. As children return to the group setting it will be very important that people practice good hygiene and stay home if they are sick. This will include keeping your children home from school if they have flu symptoms.
Since last May the Health Department has been in talks with the school system about H1N1(Swine Flu) and how to approach the new school year. The latest information has been provided to school officials for posting to their websites, and for print. The health department is also sending home information this week on flu symptoms, and what to do if your child is sick.
People with flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat or cough should contact their health care provider.
Although the symptoms are similar for seasonal flu and H1N1(Swine flu) some people have also reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The health department will also be asking teachers and administrators to be on the lookout for sick children so that they can be separated or distanced from others.
People with flu like symptoms should remain at home isolated from others for a period of 24 hours beyond the last sign of fever. Fever should be absent without the use of a fever reducing agent.
In the weeks to come the health department will continue to monitor flu activity in the county.
At this point in time because it is not the typical flu season if a person has flu-like symptoms it can be assumed that it is the H1N1 strain of flu.
Recommendations for treatment of H1N1(Swine Flu) are the same as seasonal flu.
Some individuals may benefit from antiviral treatment but a prescription must be obtained to receive this medication. Most individuals should recover from this illness in the same manner as the seasonal flu.
Parents or individuals with questions regarding H1N1(Swine Flu) may call the health department for information at 352-463-3122. Additionally, information is available on the web at www.myflusafety.com.