Dear Parents,

As you are aware, national, state, and county health departments are on alert concerning the spread of Pandemic H1N1 flu (swine flu). The West Plains R-VII School District and Howell County Health Dept. are working closely together in an effort to keep your children safe.

In an effort to minimize the spread of influenza we are asking that parents keep their children home if they develop flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F.), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose.  Additional symptoms may be experienced with Pandemic H1N1 flu, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.

Flu spreads easily.  If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else-such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events-where other people would be exposed to flu germs.  It is also important to teach your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection. 

-   Teach your children to wash their hands often.  Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that's about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).

-   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 keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

-   Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow.  Cough or sneeze into your sleeve-not your hands!

-   Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.

If, at some point in the fall or winter, the school closes due to numerous cases of flu, please do not make arrangements-such as sending children to a friend's home or group childcare-that will put them in close contact with other children. It is important to plan ahead.  Have a family discussion now to consider options in advance of the event of a school closing. 

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.

_____________________   _______________________

Superintendent Chris Gilliam, Administrator

Dr. Fred Czerwonka   Howell County Health Dept.