The following information is an update to keep you informed of what we have implemented and the information we have received in order to keep current on the impending influenza season.  We have been in contact with the Autauga County Department of Health, as well as listening to the briefing via web cast given by the Alabama Department of Health.  Listed below are some of the current facts about the H1N1 influenza virus that was covered during the briefing.  

1. The highest number of cases has been in the 5-24 year old age groups, with the 0-4 year old ages group being the second highest. 
2. The symptoms are very similar to normal seasonal influenza.  There is not going to be a specific symptom or characteristic that will define a sickness as H1N1 as opposed to the regular seasonal influenza.  This is just a different strain of the season flu.
3. Most of the population under 65 does not have antibodies that will fight H1N1
4. We will most likely see increased absentee and mortality rates due to new strain of virus.
5. This influenza is highly contagious-Incubation period (most contagious time) is 2 days prior to onset of sickness to 24 hours after the end of fever.
6. Visit ALDPH web site for more current information.

Although we do not have any confirmed cases of H1N1 here at PCA, we have educated the students and faculty on some very important things to incorporate into their routines to aid in fighting against the spread of any kind of sickness.  Here are some of the steps everyone is taking to ensure a safe and healthy environment here at PCA.  

1. Reminding students to cough and sneeze into a tissue or, if one is not available, into their elbow.
2. Students are reminded not to share food or drink with one another.
3. The faculty and students are reminded to wash their hands with soap and water multiple times throughout the day and that alcohol based hand cleaners should be in every classroom. 
4. Any surfaces or items commonly used by the students or staff are cleaned several times a day by each teacher. 

The staff is being kept aware of any updates or additional information as it is made available.  We will be offering the vaccine here at school as it is made available to us.  Until that time, we are going to be strict on the policies already in place here at school regarding sick children coming to school and needing to go home.  Any child with a fever will need to picked up, and the teachers have been instructed to send any student suspicious of a fever be sent to the Nurse’s Station.  While we pray for all of our student’s and their families to remain free of this illness, we are going to be erring on the side of caution, and not take any chances with the health and well-being of the overall student body.  If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact us.  Our goal is to maintain a safe and healthy student body and faculty.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.  Keeping this illness out of our school is going to be a collaborative effort, and we won’t be able to do it without your help.  

Sincerely,

Melissa Grimes, RN

PCA School Nurse