Information and Updates about H1N1 Influenza
The Limestone District School Board takes the health and wellness of students and staff seriously. The H1N1 influenza tab has been created for parents and other members of the public to view current information on pH1N1, letters of communication that have been sent by KFL&A Public Health and the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Gemmill, the Director of Education and senior staff. You are able to view resources that are being used in schools to educate students and staff about H1N1, hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, and symptoms of influenza. For more information, there are links to KFL&A Public Health, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
KFL&A Public Health has confirmed H1N1 influenza virus activity in our community. We are tracking absences diligently and reporting to KFL&A Public Health as required. The Limestone District School Board is committed to the prompt and timely communication with parents about the status of the flu in our schools. Schools will be communicating with families when the absence rate exceeds 10%. For the next few weeks, schools will also issue a weekly update letter to parents/guardians regardless of the school's level of absence. However, since confirmation of H1N1 through lab tests is being done by random sampling, it will be impossible for schools to confirm with confidence the presence or absence of H1N1 in a specific class or school. It is important to remember that this is a community-based disease and a health issue.
As such, we take our direction, without exception, from public health officials.
Families are following the process for reporting student illness and absences to schools, and the LDSB would ask that families continue to do so. Parents/Guardians of students who are experiencing influenza-like illness should notify the school. Students should stay home, and not return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours (un-medicated) and are feeling well and able to fully participate in all normal day-to-day activities. In addition, students who become ill while at school are being referred to the main office and families are picking them up.
The LDSB continues to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of influenza-like illness in our schools.
If you have concerns about influenza symptoms and your personal health or that of a family member, please contact your health care provider.
The LDSB will continue to be post updates on the our web site as they become available. Please check the KFL&A Public Health's website www.kflapublichealth.ca for current information, as well.
- For information about KFL&A flu clinics, please follow this link http://www.kflapublichealth.ca/Campaign/SwineFlu.aspx?PId=1
- H1N1 Influenza Clinic Schedule for Secondary Students/Staff
- Letter to Secondary School Families regarding H1N1 Influenza Immunization Clinic for students and staff at secondary schools, November 18, 2009
- KFL&A Consent Form for Vaccine Immunization
- HINI Fact Sheet, November 2009
- What You Should Do If You're Sick, information fromKFL&A Public Health
- Letter to Parents October 28 regarding influenza-like illness in schools, lab tests, and other information
- Example of School Letter to Parents regarding student absence rate
- Letter to Parents, October 2009
- Staff Poster, October 2009
- Parent Poster, October 2009
- H1N1 Fact Sheet, October 2009
- Ministry Guidelines for Prevention & Management of H1N1 in Elementary and Secondary Schools
- KFL&A Public Health Letter from Medical Officer of Health to Parents (September 1, 2009)
- LDSB Pandemic Influenza Response Plan
- H1N1 Update from KFL&A Public Health
- What you need to know - Secondary School Presentation
- What you need to know - Elementary School Presentation
- Cover Your Cough Poster - KFL&A Public Health
- Correct Handwashing Techniques - KFL&A Public Health
- Elementary Handwashing Poster - KFL&A Public Health
- How to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer - KFL&A Public Health
- Handwashing Video
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