H1N1
SSIS Preparation for Influenza A (H1N1)
SSIS has revised its influenza plans and protocols for A (H1N1) virus to reflect current information available from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and taking into account current recommendations and guidelines from Vietnamese and HCMC health authorities.The local HCMC government is determined to contain the spread of the global pandemic A (H1N1) influenza. Schools, in particular, are closely monitored by health authorities because influenza viruses spread easily and quickly among school age children. In recent weeks several local Vietnamese schools in the HCMC area have been closed due to an outbreak of the A (H1N1) virus. However, it is not clear under what conditions health authorities will order the closure of schools or for how long. Although CDC no longer recommends school closure for isolated cases of the A (H1N1) influenza, SSIS will follow the recommendations and directives of the Vietnamese health authorities and other relevant government departments. The school’s first priority, of course, is the health and well being of our school community.
Because of the possibility that school may be closed for a week or more, parents should begin to plan for child care in case of an extended absence from school.
INFLUENZA A (H1N1): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Symptoms
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur but are more common in children than adults.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If the patients have mild symptoms of illness such as low grade fever, and being able to eat food, he/she is advised to stay home.
- Get lots of rest, drink plenty of water.
- There are over the counter medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but do not give Aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu like symptoms, particularly fever).
- Do not return to school /work until 7 days after the symptoms have begun.
- Maintain good health by eating nutritious food, drink a lot of water, get adequate sleep, and engage in physical exercise regularly.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Avoid sharing glasses, straws and spoons.
- Avoid close contact with patients with influenza-like symptoms.
- Avoid being in crowded and poorly ventilated places for an extended period of time.
- Head of School & School Nurse
- Selected administrators, faculty and staff
- PTA Representative
- Temperature taken and then sent home until symptom-free for 24 hours (without medicines).
- Before returning to class or offices, report to the school nurse for temperature / symptoms check.
- If in close contact with sick people, carefully monitor temperature and condition for 07 days.
- Immediate quarantine, facemask issued and sent home.
- Parents / family informed and patient referred to the nearest hospital (FVH) for further consultation.
- SSIS Nurse’s office will arrange and inform hospital before the sick people arrive as parents request.
- Medical Certificate of good health is required before return to school is permitted.
- Staff and students in close contact with sick person or in the same classrooms / offices will be observed and daily temperatures will be taken for 7 days.
- School, together with patient & family, will list people in close contact with infected person and immediately contact them. (This list may be released to the local government if required.)
- School will consider class / school closure in consultation with health authorities.
- Contact local health-care provider / local public health service for medical check-up and preventive treatment if needed.
- Avoid public gatherings and close contact with family members. As recommended by their physicians, “close contacts” may be required to stay home for some days (generally 7 days) before returning to school.
- Before returning to school, a medical certificate of good health is required.
- Family members and “close contact” friends should be advised to closely monitor their health for 7 days, and visit their physician if not well.
Planning, Preparation and Protocols for an Influenza Epidemic
Emergency Response Team (ERT) for Influenza A (H1N1) and other health issues
SSIS Planning and Preparation
The following preparations and actions will be implemented with the beginning of classes on 12 August or before, as appropriate:1. Prepare and distribute information of influenza to staff, faculty, students and parents to help educate and inform our school community.
a. Colored flyers in English & Vietnamese.
b. CDC posters about “Healthy Hygiene Habits” displayed in school hallways and other areas.
2. Teach health & hygiene habits to all students and staff, and monitor individual student health and wellness.
a. Homeroom teachers will instruct students about coughing / sneezing etiquette and proper hand washing.
b. Older students will be taught the symptoms of the flu and instructed to self-monitor their wellness (Grade 3 – 12).
c. Early Childhood through grade 2 will have daily temperature checks before school. Any student who has a temperature will be sent to the nurse and parents will be contacted to pick-up the student as soon as possible.
3. Information sessions led by school nurse for:
a. Vietnamese teaching assistants and other Vietnamese staff.
b. PTA or other parent groups as requested.
c. Teacher orientation and faculty meetings as needed.
4. Periodic health updates / alerts from school nurse sent to faculty, staff, and parents via emails.
5. Installation of automatic hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout school. (on order)
a. Alcohol-based sanitizing gel (60%)
6. Facemasks purchased
a. Provided to students, faculty, and staff with flu-like symptoms as they leave school for home.
b. For nurse and health staff (others as appropriate)
7. Cleaning with anti-septic solution
a. Floors, hard surfaces are cleaned with Javel 0.15 % per daily schedule.
b. Toilets, bathrooms are cleaned with Javel 0.15 % per daily schedule.
c. Plastic toys, wooden surfaces, door knobs, stairs handles/ rails are cleaned with soap and water more frequently.
d. SSIS Nurse’s office disinfected by Hexanios 0.5% and UV light twice / week.
Procedures for suspected influenza A (H1N1)
Students, staff and faculty with flu-like symptoms are responsible for self-monitoring their health and fitness to be at school. If not well, please stay at home. If illness or fu-like symptoms develop during the school day, immediately report to the school nurse.The following protocols will be followed:
Flu-like symptoms and no fever
