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H1N1 influenza continues to be a major headline topic in our country; what can we do to prepare and protect ourselves from illness? Schools are a hub of activity for adults and children; what have we done in preparation to help protect our students and staff from infection?

The Lincoln County central office and school administrative staff have met to update and revise plans for the district. One of the first measures instituted was to remind students about proper hand washing and encourage them to do so. Hand sanitizing stations were purchased for all schools and placed in cafeterias and outside computer labs where we anticipate most infection is passed. We are fortunate to have nurses in all our schools. This is the product of an important partnership between the school district and health department. In the case of H1N1, teachers are able to send students to the nurse if they feel ill so that symptoms can be evaluated and the determination can be made as to whether the student needs to go home. School nurses will be key players in helping decrease the spread of this virus. When you see your school board and board of health members and Diane Miller with the health department, thank them for supporting such a partnership.

At the state flu pandemic summit in Frankfort a few weeks ago, it was emphasized that family preparedness will be a major factor in helping curb this virus. The county has done many things to prepare but ultimate success will largely depend on individual efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends four major actions you and your family can take to prevent influenza infection.

They include: 1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water; 2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; 3. Stay home if your child is sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever; and 4. Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu when vaccines are available. Immunization is especially important for children at high risk for flu complications which includes those with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic conditions, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders.

Immunization clinics will be scheduled at the schools for students as vaccines are available and parents will be notified of the dates. If your health care provider does not carry vaccines or your insurance does not cover the cost, we encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity. If flu conditions become more severe, parents should consider extending the time sick children stay home for seven days (or until they are no longer coughing). If a household member is sick, keep school-aged children home for five days from the time the household member became sick. Parents can contact the nurse at school to discuss getting these absences excused.

Hopefully the severity of H1N1 will not get any worse and we can get through this pandemic without widespread severe illness. But as Louis Pasteur once said “chance favors the prepared mind”; let’s all prepare ourselves by doing what we can to protect our families, including immunization.

Eva Stone, ARNP, directs the Coordinated School Health program for Lincoln County Schools.

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