Frequently
Asked Questions
H1N1 Influenza: Information for Parents and Guardians
September 01/09
What
is H1N1 influenza?
H1N1influenza is a respiratory
illness that has symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu.
The virus is spread in the same
manner as seasonal flu.
Coughs and sneezes release germs
into the air that can be breathed in by others. H1N1 influenza is
transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose or throat.
Coughing and sneezing can also
release germs that will remain on hard surfaces like counters, phones,
keyboards, remote controls and doorknobs. They can then be transferred
to the hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when a person
touches his or her mouth or nose.
How
concerned should I be?
There is a higher sense of
awareness with respect to the H1N1 influenza as the World Health
Organization (WHO) has declared it a pandemic influenza virus.
Declaring it a pandemic has to do with the spread of the disease and
NOT the severity of the illness.
In most cases, symptoms of the
virus are relatively mild. The majority of people infected have made a
full recovery within a week. However, it is important to take the
necessary precautions to decrease the chances of catching or passing on
H1N1 influenza.
Will
a school be closed if a case of H1N1 influenza is confirmed in the
school?
No. The
Public Health Agency of Canada is not recommending the closure of
schools. It recommends that schools continue to promote basic infection
control, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes,
and asking those who feel ill to stay home.
How
can I help ensure my child's health at school?
CLEAN
Teach your child to wash his or her hands often with soap and water.
You can set the example by doing this yourself.
Teach your child NOT to share
personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
COVER
Teach your child to cover his or her mouth and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. Without a tissue, cough or sneeze into the elbow
or shoulder, not into hands.
Consider getting your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1
influenza.
What
if my child is showing flu-like symptoms?
CONTAIN
The signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, fatigue, lack of
appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with H1N1 Influenza
have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
Children who become ill with
influenza-like symptoms should stay at home until they are symptom
free, are feeling well, and able to fully participate in all normal day
to day school activities.
Is
hand washing necessary if my child uses hand sanitizer?
Yes. The
Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the use of hand-sanitizers
only as a supplement to hand washing; it is not a replacement for hand
washing. Also, to be effective it must have at least 60% alcohol
content. Parents may provide personal size hand sanitizers to their
children.
Will
there be a vaccine against H1N1 influenza?
Yes. A
vaccine will be available in the fall. More information will be
communicated on this as it becomes available.
Will
I be notified if there is a confirmed case or cases of H1N1 influenza
in a school?
No. Health
officials advise that the H1N1 influenza virus is community-based and
circulates in the same manner as seasonal influenza. It is not
localized to individual schools and therefore notifying parents will
not assist in containing or preventing the spread of the virus. Basic
infection control must be practiced in all schools regardless of the
identification of a confirmed case of the virus. Notification could
create a false sense of security in schools where a case has not been
confirmed. The situation will be continuously monitored and if there
are changes appropriate action will be taken.
What
is being done by the Department of Education to help reduce the spread
of H1N1 influenza?
The Department of Education has
established a committee to monitor the conditions related to H1N1
influenza, and has provided the following resources to school
administrators:
- Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ's) to allow principals, teachers and staff to become knowledgeable
about the topic and to assist them in answering questions from students
and parents;
- an information brochure to be
distributed to parents;
- health information posters to
be placed throughout schools;
- suggested web-based
resources, including videos; and
- locked hand sanitizers to be
placed in supervised areas.
For further online resources go
to: .
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