April 29, 2009
Dear Parent or Guardian,
As you may already know, the swine flu is
causing concern in California and around the nation. We want you to
know that we are aware of the swine flu and are taking steps to
ensure your children remain in a safe, healthy school
environment.
The most important thing you can do at this
point is to practice good hygiene at home, your work and in public
places by following these recommendations from the Centers for
Disease Control:
- Minimize handshaking and wash hands frequently. If you have
hand sanitizer, use it frequently but remember nothing is as
effective as good and frequent handwashing.
- Cover your coughs and sneeze into your sleeve.
- If you blow your nose, follow up by washing hands or using your
sanitizer.
- If you use a tissue - make sure to discard it into a trash
receptacle.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
- Limit your exposure to large crowds and public places.
- Teach family members to wash hands often with soap and warm
water for at least 20 seconds. Twenty seconds is how long it takes
to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, which helps
children learn.
- Keep surfaces clean at home using regular household
cleaners.
- Wash eating and drinking utensils well.
- Eat well and get plenty of rest.
Symptons of swine flu are very similar to the
seasonal flu and include fever (100° and above), cough, sore
throat, fatigue, headache, body aches and sometimes nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. If your child does not feel well, keep them
home until they are free of symptons.
If your child becomes ill they should rest,
drink fluids, stay home, and take fever reducers such as Tylenol,
Advil or Motrin. Children should never take aspirin. If their
condition worsens, contact your physician. At this point it is best
to call your doctor before going to their office or an emergency
room.
For additional information, please visit the
website for the Fresno County Department of Public Health at
www.co.fresno.ca.us or the
website of the federal government which provides information to
assist individuals and families in pandemic flu at www.pandemicflu.gov..
Sincerely,
Larry L. Powell
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
