Many of you have heard news reports about cases of H1N1 (swine flu) in the U.S. and other countries. We want to share some basic information with you about H1N1, how Gordon County Schools (GCS) is responding and what you can do, as well, because your child's health and safety are our top concerns.
H1N1 is a respiratory disease that does not normally infect humans; however, human infections with H1N1 do occur. The current strain of H1N1 has begun to spread from human to human, causing illness. The symptoms of H1N1 in people are often similar to regular, seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

If you would like more information about H1N1, visit the Web site for the CDC at www.cdc.gov

Please be aware that Gordon County Schools (GCS) has been monitoring this health situation since its emergence, including the following:

• GCS has been communicating regularly with the Gordon County Health Department and Gordon County Emergency Management (the local lead planning agency) and has been involved in its countywide planning for response to flu outbreaks.
• GCS School Nurses have communicated with and will continue to cooperate with local and state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control regarding any health interventions to be implemented above and beyond usual precautionary measures.
• Our Lead Nurse has updated and will continue to update all school nurses with the most current information regarding H1N1, including precautionary measures. Our nurses have also been instructed to post and follow the precautionary measures concerning any and all infectious diseases.
• School nurses have been instructed to contact a Lead Nurse immediately when any specific case causes them concern.
• If any local cases of H1N1 are discovered we will be notified by the Gordon County Health Department. Likewise, if our teachers and nurses see students with flu-like symptoms, we will share this important information with the Health Department.

We need your help to prevent the spread of illness in our schools - not just H1N1, but any kind of virus. There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy, and please encourage your children to follow these simple steps, too:

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If your child gets sick, please keep them home from school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If your child is ill and has recently traveled to an area affected by H1N1, or has been in contact with someone who has been infected with H1N1, contact your child's healthcare provider immediately.