Mead Matters

June 2009

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Important Mead School District Update -  H1N1 Swine Flu

Schools are taking steps to help prevent the spread of both seasonal and H1N1 (swine) influenza. According to the most recent data, the H1N1 virus is currently the primary cause of most influenza in our community.

The Mead School District continues to track absenteeism due to influenza on a daily basis and is in close communication with Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), which has been extremely helpful in providing current resources.  We greatly appreciate when parents report the specifics of their child’s absence so we are better able to track communicable diseases. 

For Information On Mead School District Staff Protocol:  Read More.....

We urge you to pay particular attention to your child’s health, monitoring for influenza symptoms. Symptoms of H1N1 illness, which are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, include rapid onset of fever with cough and/or sore throat.  Some people may also have diarrhea and vomiting.   

If your child or any family member experiences these symptoms, stay home until symptoms have diminished and they have been free of fever (less then 100°F, without using fever reducing medication) for at least 24 hours or as directed by your health care provider.

People are being encouraged to treat flu symptoms at home to avoid spreading the illness in health care settings. If your child has symptoms mentioned above and develops difficulty breathing, chest pain, bluish skin; develops seizures, is unable to keep fluids down or is less responsive than normal, seek medical care immediately.  

H1N1 has caused an increased concern for children and infants who have high-risk medical conditions and neurodevelopmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, heart conditions, seizure disorders, long-term respiratory (asthma) and lung conditions (cystic fibrosis), premature infants and others.  If your child has any of these conditions that may put him/her at increased risk, we encourage you to contact your child’s health care provider to discuss the risks to your child’s health and his/her school attendance. Special care should be taken to protect these children from catching H1N1, and it is recommended that they be among the first to receive a vaccine once it becomes available.  The H1N1 vaccine is also recommended for all people ages 6 months to 24 years of age.

To protect yourself and your family against H1N1 influenza, as well as seasonal influenza, and to help prevent the spread of disease, teach your children to:

• Wash their hands often.
• Cough or sneeze into their sleeve/elbow - not into their hands.
  
• Cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.
• Promptly dispose of used tissues and wash hands with soap and water.
• Not share food, utensils or beverages with others.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.

 Read More...

Message from Randy Dorn, Superintendent Public Instruction.

H1N1 Swine Flu Preparedness

Mead School District continues to work with Spokane Regional Health District and other community partners, as the school year progresses, to slow the spread of the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus.

If your child is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please keep your child home and notify your school, as soon as possible.  The district is required to keep accurate records of Influenza-A and/or H1N1 Swine Flu cases in order to track, identify, and report to the Spokane Regional Health District the spread of influenza cases in our community.

Although the virus primarily causes mild to moderate symptoms, serious symptoms can occur. The Spokane Regional Health District is stressing the importance of people taking simple actions to stop the spread of germs, including:

• Wash hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
• Cover coughs with your sleeve or a tissue - not your hands
• Call your health care provider for advice.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

The Center for Disease Control and The Spokane Regional Health District both stress that for most people who catch the H1N1 swine flu virus; symptoms can be managed at home through proper hydration and fever reduction. People should contact their health care provider by phone if they have serious symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms which would normally cause a person to seek medical care.
The Mead School District's priority continues to be the protection of our community's health. We will continue to provide you with the most updated information as we receive it from the Spokane Regional Health District. 

Message from Randy Dorn, Superintendent Public Instruction.

 Message from Mead School District-

The following questions and answers are provided by Spokane Regional Health District:

What is H1N1 swine flu?

H1N1 Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs.  People do not normally get H1N1 swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.  H1N1 swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person.

Are there human infections with H1N1 swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with H1N1 swine influenza A viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.  Other U.S. states have reported cases of H1N1 swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well.  Updated case information about the situation in the U.S. is at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.  CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this H1N1 swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this H1N1 swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.  However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu.  Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does H1N1 swine flu spread?

Spread of this H1N1 swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after becoming sick.  That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.  Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands.  Try to stay in good general health.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.  Wash your hands after touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 swine flu?

Yes.  CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 swine influenza viruses.  If you get sick, these drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.  For treatment, these medications work best if started within 2 days of having symptoms.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like tables, handrails, doorknobs, and desks.  Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 swine flu.  There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.  Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, SRHD recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible.  Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your cough - cough into your elbow or shoulder, or you hand, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and put your used tissue in a waste basket.  Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue.  Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.  Wash your hands - with soap and warm water - for 15 to 20 seconds.  When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.  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. 

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in an area where H1N1 swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact a health care provider.  Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

Can I get H1N1 swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No.  H1N1 swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.  You cannot get H1N1 swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.  Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

For more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
CDC 24 Hour Hotline: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348

Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD)
http://www.srhd.org/
SRHD Call Center: (509) 993-0352 or 1-866-800-4950

Influenza Information

Local health officials coordinating swine flu response with community and public health partners

• Although people do not normally get swine flu, CDC has determined that this new swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
• People who got vaccinated for human flu this past flu season can still get sick from swine flu.
• The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus can be treated with the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Recommendations for using these drugs for treatment or prevention of swine influenza may change as we learn more about this new virus.
• Human symptoms for this new type of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. Those include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills. Additionally, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported.
• This flu is not transmitted by food; people cannot catch it from eating pork products.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• When possible, avoid touching surfaces that many others have touched.

• Identify critical business functions (e.g., payable/receivables, payroll, inventory tracking, shipment, etc.).
• Identify systems/vital records that support those critical business functions (e.g., software systems, forms, documents, internet access, etc.).
• Identify personnel needed to complete critical business functions.
• Identify the minimum level of resources and personnel needed to continue and complete critical business functions.
• Create partnerships with similar companies and businesses to create a support network and to share information.
• Encourage personal preparedness for employees both at work and at home.

Travelers should follow the same precautionary measures that are recommended to protect against seasonal influenza - frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. For more information, see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm#travel .

MHS Orchestra Students Partner with Whitworth U for a Crosswalk
Benefit Concert 

The orchestras of Mead High School and Whitworth University will be featured in a benefit concert held Thursday, April 16, 2009, at St. Luke Lutheran Church (9706 N Division) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door and are $8 suggested donation for adults and $5 suggested donation brushes, combs, socks, toothbrushes & toothpaste for students. All proceeds and donations will benefit the Crosswalk teen shelter.

Times are tough for both education and for the arts; other music teachers might be tempted to bury their heads in the sand. But not Mead High School orchestra instructor Dorothy Baldwin. The group already spends two full days each school year touring local nursing homes to brighten lives with their music. But Baldwin knew there was more good they could do and saw an opportunity to raise a few spirits and a few dollars.

“One of my primary goals as an educator is to give my students a chance to go out into the community and get their music doing positive things both for them and for others,” explains Baldwin. “Helping them use their talents to raise money and awareness for the Crosswalk shelter seemed like a perfect way to do that.”

She enlisted her husband Phil, who directs the Whitworth University Symphony Orchestra, to involve his students in the project and garnered a grant from the Washington Education Association’s Eastern Washington Uniserv Council to underwrite the costs and ensure all the funds collected at the concert will go directly to Crosswalk. Gourmet deserts will be provided by Just American Deserts.
Donations of personal items (brushes, combs, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste) will be collected at the door.

“This concert is a win-win. My students benefit from the educational experience of rehearsing and performing with a more experienced orchestra and at the same time they are able to make a difference for their peers at Crosswalk who are struggling. Phil and I both want our students to realize that not everyone has the opportunities they have had. When they go into the world with their eyes open, they can make such a difference.”

About Crosswalk: Founded in 1985, Crosswalk is an emergency shelter, a school drop-out prevention program, and a group of lifesaving and life-changing programs dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness. In an average year, Crosswalk serves 1,000 youth. Emergency shelter is available 365 days a year and all services are free and voluntary.

Learn more online at http://www.voaspokane.org/ . (Article from the Volunteers of America of Eastern Wa and Idaho)