What you should know about swine flu

If my student attends school where there has been a confirmed case of swine flu, should he automatically be tested for swine flu?

If the student develops symptoms and has been in contact with someone who has been sick with swine flu, they should contact their doctor to discuss testing and, if necessary, treatment options.

When a student is suspected to have the swine flu, why must the school he attends be closed?

Schools are closed to try to interrupt the spread of the virus. Children are very susceptible to getting this new virus and schools might contribute to its spread in the community.

How long should a school closure last in the wake of a swine flu case?

Schools and childcare facilities should close for up to 14 days depending on the extent and severity of the illness and in consultation with local and state public health officials. Children are likely to be infectious for about 7-10 days after the onset of illness.

If someone in my home is sick, how can I protect others?

The following steps are recommended:

• The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers.

• If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person.

• Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy.

• All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person’s room or bathroom.

• Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household.

• If possible, maintain good ventilation in shared household areas, such as keeping windows open in restrooms and kitchen areas.

• Antivirals can be used to prevent the flu, so check with your healthcare provider to see if some persons in the home should use antiviral medications.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention