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Home > Blogs > Springfield Schools News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > May > 24 > Entry
Schools and the swine flu
Clark County has its first confirmed case of swine flu in a 15-year-old student at Northridge Middle School.
Northeastern school officials are working with the Clark County Combined Health District and have decided not to close school when students return from the long weekend Tuesday, said Superintendent Rick Broderick.
In the first few days after the first cases of swine flu started popping up in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Education recommended closing schools with confirmed cases.
As we learned more, the USDE backed off that recommendation and said that schools that had closed could re-open. It is recommended that any students or school staff who have flu-like symptoms stay home for at least seven days, even if they start to feel better.
Scientists believe swine flu is spread person-to-person so some common sense tips will help prevent you or your child from getting ill, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends washing hands often, using a tissue when coughing and sneezing and staying home if you feel ill.
The CDC recommends:
Parents monitor school age children closely for any flu-like symptoms. Keep your child home and see a doctor if they do develop symptoms like a sore throat or a fever with a cough.
If your child’s school allows it, send a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a travel pack of tissues to school with your student.
-Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and drinking fluids can improve your immunity to swine flu.
Visit the CDC for more information for families and individuals, home care or to check out recommendations for schools.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Northeastern Local Schools
Comments
By Leonard Kadel, Board President
May 25, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
First, I want to express our concern for this young man and his family, and pray that this illness will pass quickly. This is not something to be taken lightly, yet it cannot be handled in a reactive manner, evoking fear and panic. My appreciation to Mr. Broderick’s handling of the incident by not reacting and causing a panic situation. After reading the many comments from previous articles, speaking with Mr. Broderick, and learning the recommended steps for schools to take, I feel Rick handled the situation properly and professionally. We are not doctors, nor do we profess to know how to handle this type of situation without going to those who do. Rick sought out professional advise and responded accordingly. There are precautionary steps to be taken, and, rest assured that we will see that they are taken to protect the children of our district. It also takes parents who will work with us in curtailing this dreaded virus. The administration and the Clark County Combined Health District personnel will be will be available on Tuesday at Northridge School to address the situation and answer questions.