H1N1 FLU UPDATE

The Tennessee Department of Health has developed a free flu information line for parents.  Anyone with questions regarding H1N1 or seasonal flu can call 1-877-252-3432 and speak with an expert. 

The Williamson County Schools Health Services Department recommends that any students or staff known to be at high-risk for complications from the flu follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for school attendance or accommodations within the school setting to lower their risk for exposure to H1N1 or seasonal flu.   People at high risk may include those pregnant and those with chronic asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular diseases, certain cardiac conditions and other immune-compromised conditions.

In addition, children should receive urgent medical attention if they have difficulty breathing, fast breathing, a change in skin color to a bluish or gray color, difficulty drinking or eating adequate amounts of water or food, difficulty going to the rest room, inability to wake up or move around, avoidance of physical contact (not wanting to be held) or severe vomiting or diarrhea.

"Students and staff with flu-like illness are urged to remain at home for at least 24 hours fever-free without medications prior to returning to school," says WCS Health Services Coordinator Jill Casada.  "The district will separate students who appear ill at school while waiting for parents to pick them up."

Students, teachers and parents should also practice proper hand washing techniques and use tissues to cover the nose and mouth if sneezing or coughing.  "We are still routinely cleaning commonly touched surfaces within the school building as recommended by the CDC," says Casada.  "We are also closely monitoring absentee numbers due to illness within our schools."