June 8, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As promised, we are providing you with an update on the flu situation.
Although we have many cases of seasonal flu throughout the district,
we have no confirmed cases of the H1N1 (“swine”) flu in any of our
schools. The Dutchess County Health Department continues to work
closely with us in monitoring the health of our students and staff.
Even though most cases of flu in the United States at this time
involve only mild illness, flu spreads easily. Therefore, it is
essential that no student comes to school with flu-like symptoms for 7
days after the onset of these symptoms.
Symptoms of flu-like illness include: fever (over 100 degrees F.),
feverishness, cough, sore throat, or runny nose. Some additional
symptoms may be experienced with swine flu, including muscle pain,
fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Children who are getting
ill may exhibit different behavior than usual, such as eating less or
being irritable.
If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is essential that he/
she does not attend school or go anywhere else—such as childcare, the
mall, or sporting events—where other people would be exposed to flu
germs. Students exhibiting symptoms will be sent home from school.
Parents can help protect their children and reduce the spread of flu
by taking the following precautions:
• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water for
20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday”
song twice.) Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs,
and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60%
alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and
follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by
coughing into the inside of the elbow.
• Teach your children to dispose of used tissues properly.
• Teach your children to stay away from people who are sick.
Please feel free to contact our health office if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven Shuchat
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