ALERT - Swine Flu

Fact Sheet - Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

CDC Quick Reference Guide for Public Information on Infection Control

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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Update

May 6, 2009

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are issuing regular updates regarding H1N1 flu (Swine Flu). At this time, CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools and early childhood education facilities is to focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. Decisions about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities based on local considerations, including public concern and the impact of school absenteeism and staffing shortages.

Please remember that prevention is one of the most important steps you can take to remain healthy and protect others:

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

You can find updated information regarding the H1N1 Flu on the CDC website including:

The Pennsylvania Department of Health also has information available on its website, including information for school and early childhood education settings.

Early learning programs can also help protect the health of their staff and the children and families they serve by calling attention to the every day preventive actions that parents can initiate to protect their children.

Early childhood education facilities and schools are required to report outbreaks of a reportable communicable disease to the Department of Health or to the local department of health. This includes influenza.

Contact your local public health department if you have any questions about the H1N1 flu.

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