H1N1

As it seems to be the big topic lately, I figured I would point to a few resources.

Jefferson City Public schools has links on a page to the Center for Disease, Cole County Health and Callaway County Health.

There is also a special update link to an article on CNN with advice from Dr. Gupta.

Excerpts:

The doctor who met me started by saying he was giving the media a C+ in its overall coverage of H1N1, and blamed his busy ER, in part, on the media for stoking fears.

 

"Fair enough," I answered back, "but, how do I get to an A?" In order to get there, I wanted to report clear, concise answers about what a parent should do with a sick child.

The article goes on to list 5 points.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a page of H1N1 flu information for schools.

The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools has a Flu Season and Schools page.  One of the lists is “Things for schools to keep in mind”.  It is a list adapted from info from Iowa and Vermont Departments of Health.

Excerpt:

Schools should be extra-vigilant that ill students be excluded from sports activities, choir or any activities that may involve close contact, since transmission of the flu may be easier in these situations. All students and staff should avoid sharing glasses, water bottles, drinks, spoons/forks, etc.

 

Excerpt from CNN Health article, “In time of swine flu, add sanitizer, tissues to school supply lists”":

 

For athletic practices, coaches discourage the sharing of towels and water bottles, Hambrick said. In the spring, the schools canceled field trips to places where there had been reported cases of H1N1, he said.

Excerpt from Omaha World-Herald, “Teams try to minimize flu risk”:

In the Omaha Public Schools, coaches and trainers are reminding players to wipe down football helmets and face masks. Players are encouraged to wash practice clothes and uniforms more often.

Football players at Abraham Lincoln High in Council Bluffs are drinking out of disposable cups during practice instead of sharing water bottles.

I was a little surprised I did not notice any info listed on the Missouri State High School Activities Association website.