Lewis Central Prepares for H1N1 Flu
Will Follow Council Bluffs Health Department Recommendations
by Amy Cook RN, District Nurse
August 29, 2009
August 27, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:
With the Flu Season approaching in the next several months, we are
taking a proactive approach to keep every family healthy in our
community. In order to accomplish a healthy environment, we are
strongly recommending that if you or your child becomes ill to stay
home to prevent the spread of infection to others. It is a MUST
that you or your child stay home from work/school/daycare for 24
hours AFTER your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing
medicine except to get medical care.
Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to
seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including
work, school, travel, shopping, social/sporting events, and public
gatherings.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash
with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner*. CDC
recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm
water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water
are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel
sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and
drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The
gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs
on your hands.
People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may
be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7
days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children
and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with
the new H1N1 virus.
Influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or
stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you
should stay home and avoid contact with other people.
If you have any questions, concerns or would like additional
information, feel free to contact the Health Department at 712
328-4666.
Sincerely,
Donn Dierks
Donn Dierks, Director of Public Health
Council Bluffs Health Department
