United States Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention

Dear Parents,
We would like to inform you that the recommendations from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have changed regarding school guidelines related to H1N1 (Swine) Influenza.

The Broward County School Board has consulted with the Broward County Health Department and will be implementing the following guidelines:

• Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care.
  

• Students, faculty and staff who are ill should continue to stay home from school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications.

• Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.
  

• Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.
  

• Ill students should not attend alternative childcare or congregate in settings other than school.
  
  The symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Influenza in people are similar to the regular seasonal flu and include fever of greater than 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, chills, fatigue and some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.  If your child develops these symptoms please keep your child home from school and contact your health care provider.
  
  Remember these effective steps to help prevent the spread of: H1N1 (Swine) Influenza.
  

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

•  If you do not have a tissue, cough into your sleeve.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you      cough or sneeze. 
  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if    soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick, stay home from work or school

For more information about H1N1 (Swine) Influenza please refer to the following resources:

• Florida Department of Health H1N1 Swine Flu Information Line: 1-877-352-3581

• Broward County Health Department Information Line at:954-467-4700

• Broward County Public Schools Information Line: 754-321-0321

• Florida Department of Health web site www.MyFluSafety.com

• Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.flu/gov

• Broward County Health Department at www.browardchd.org

• Broward County Public Schools Web Site at: (www.browardschools.com)