Letter from San Diego County Public Health Officer
Facts About Swine Flu
Poster in English and Spanish
Germ Free Poster in English and Spanish
As you may know, swine flu has been identified in several states, including California. As of April 26th (10am PST), 7 cases have been identified in California. The Centers for Disease Control has issued a State of Emergency in response to this public health threat; however, the identification of a State of Emergency does not signal an increased threat to the public, but allows local and state governments easier access to flu testing and medications if necessary. School closure is not being considered at this time. If you receive calls from parents, please reassure them that there is no need to keep students home from school.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. The CDC has determined that this swine influenza virus is contagious and spreading from human to human. Common symptoms include high fever, aches, sore throat, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. At this time it is unknown how easily the virus is spread. What is known is that the virus is spread in the same way seasonal flu spreads; through coming in contact with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing or through coming in contact with a surface with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. As such, preventive measures should be employed and reinforced.
Attached above is a letter from Dr. Wooten, Public Health Officer, which will be distributed to school superintendents and principals Monday. Additionally, I have attached a FAQ regarding swine flu from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. Finally, you will find a printable version of two posters that should be widely distributed/posted throughout the school environment. While we do not want to create a panic situation, we certainly want to reinforce the common prevention measures including hand washing, covering mouth when coughing/sneezing, and staying home if ill.
Students who present to you with flu like symptoms should be immediately referred to their primary care physician. Additionally, please notify me of any suspect cases.
I will be posting information on the district's website Monday and will send out e-mail updates as they become necessary. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I may also be reached via cell at 980-3959.
Dr. Julia Smith, PhD, RN, CNS
Program Manager
Student Health Services
Sweetwater Union High School District