~UPDATE~ H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The following is meant to provide information about the flu situation. There is a good deal of concern about H1N1 (Swine Flu). At this time, the health department indicates that the flu is here in our community and that H1N1 is the primary virus causing flu-like symptoms. Providers are not routinely testing for H1N1 as it is only required for hospitalized patients. As a result, our schools are handling all flu situations with care and concern. However, we have no plans to close a school or schools because of the flu unless absences go well beyond normal rates. The school district will consult with the Tillamook County Health Department if we believe that a school or schools need to be closed due to high incidences of illness due to flu-like symptoms.
The Tillamook County Health Department is currently awaiting sufficient supplies of the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Information regarding clinics will be disseminated through the local radio stations and the health department website at http://www.co.tillamook.or.us/gov/health/.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to help stop the spread of flu:
- Teach your children to wash their hands
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and into their sleeve
- Teach your children not to share items like food, dirnks, or unwashed utensils
- Know the signs of the flu - includes fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 Celsius or better), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, feeling very tired
- Keep sick children at home
- Do not send children to school if they are sick
Please know our schools and school district is monitoring this situation carefully. We intend to act prudently and provide as healthy an learning environment as possible as we go through the flu season.
Sincerely,
Jay Kosik
Superintendent
