H1N1 update October 25, 2009:

Concerns continue to rise over the H1N1 pandemic. I would like to keep you informed and updated as much as possible.

• I have been monitoring the number of absences within Tuscan as well as how many students go home with fever. This is called passive surveillance. This is done so we will be alerted to an increase in abscences/illness. If there is an unusual increase we can then inform the local and county health department as well as the board of education to determine an appropriate response.
• The Maplewood Department of Health is planning on holding several clinics to administer the H1N1 vaccine to high risk individuals. These flu clinics are free of charge.
• Their first clinic will be on November 1, 2009. Pre-registration is required for that clinic. They will be distributing flu mist which is the intranasal influenza vaccine. (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.) Please carefully read the attachments from the department of Health which outline who should not receive the nasal vaccine.
• The health department will have additional clinics beginning around the middle of November as additional vaccine becomes available. At that time they expect to administer the vaccine via a shot. You will be informed when more information is available.
• Continue to take personal steps to remain healthy. (See information from October 11 below)
  

H1N1 District Information - Document Links: 

2009 H1N1 October 25th Letter from Health Department

2009 H1N1 October 25th Sample Consent Form

2009 H1N1 October 25th Sample Screen Questionaire

2009 H1N1 October 25th What you need to know

Wishing you good health,

Nurse Borek

Nurse Borek's Letter of Resignation:  2009 Nurse Borek's Letter of Resignation

October 11, 2009 H1N1 Update:

It has already been determined that H1N1 is a pandemic but that does not mean panic.  Influenza is unpredictable so our plan has to be adaptable and we need to be flexible.  Information is constantly changing and updates will be necessary.

The cornerstone of protection is vaccination.  The vaccine is free to everyone who is to receive it but there may be an administrative cost charge at the physician’s office.  So far the vaccine has been shown to be very safe.  The vaccine will be distributed to providers who applied to receive a supply.  If you are interested in having your child vaccinated check with your physician as to whether or not they providing the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine is not the same as the H1N1 vaccine. Both vaccines are recommended for flu protection this season.  Vaccinating for flu is voluntary and it is your personal decision. 

Children may be contagious 3-4 days before the onset of symptoms and, in adults 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms.  The most common symptoms consist of cough and fever but some children are also exhibiting nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea . Students can return to  school after being fever free for 24 hours without the use medication.  Children should not be given aspirin for fever.  Check with your physician as to how to treat a fever for your child. 

Even without vaccination there are actions you can take to stay healthy. Avoiding  contact with sick people is key. Thank you for keeping your child home when they are ill.  It is the first defense in preventing the spread of illness.  Please be sure you have a plan in place if your child gets sick during the school day.  They could very likely have felt fine in the morning and by the afternoon develop symptoms of illness.  Aftercare programs will not accept a child who is sick and alternate arrangements will need to be in place. 

Continue to encourage and practice positive health habits. These include:

• getting enough sleep
• eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetable per day.
• exercise - children should exercise for 60 minutes a day.  Walking to and from school  counts as exercise.
• good hygiene - such as washing hands when appropriate for at least 10-15 seconds with soap and water.  Young children may still require supervision and reminders to reinforce proper hand washing techniques. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizers (such as purel) when soap and water is not available is acceptable.
• keeping hands and fingers away from your face and out of your mouth (children need frequent reminders).

Many teachers have hand sanitizers in their classroom.  You may consider packing moist towelletes (hand wipes) in your child's lunch box for a clean-up before eating. Sinks are available in the cafeteria for hand washing.  I check bathrooms when possible for adequate supplies of soap and paper towels.  If you or child  notice an area out of soap please inform the office or myself and it will be corrected.  We need to support each other in the efforts to remain healthy. 

Wishing you good health,

Lorriane Borek

Lorraine Borek R.N.
School Nurse
Tuscan Elementary School
25 Harvard Ave.
Maplewood, N.J.07040
973-378-5221 ext. 7003