To: Parents

From: School Nurse Re: HINI Updates

The flu season is upon us ,and we are sharing the following information so we can continue to work together to reduce the spread of the flu.

Infection Control policies are in place as recommended from the Diocese and Health Department regarding the flu.

Precautions taken by the school include:

Hand, cough and sneeze hygiene

Disinfect ion of all shared work areas such as desks, hand railings, bathrooms, and doorknobs

Case isolation; sick students are asked to leave school as soon as transportation is available.

Illnesses meeting criteria are reported to the Diocesan Office and Health Department.

Precautions taken by parents:

Students should be kept at home until they have been without fever for 24 hours without medication.

Communicate with school authorities regarding absence. Please use the following codes:

Absence #1 absence due to cold, stomach virus or not feeling well.

Absence #2 absence due to flu-like symptoms,( fever of 100 degrees or

more with body aches & headache)

Absence #3 absence due to other reasons (doctor appointment, family emergency.

 

When your child returns to school with a parent note, please specify the reason for absence. This will enable the school to properly code your child's absence. Dr. note should be sent in if absent for 3 or more days.

If your child exhibits symptoms ( cough, sore throat, stomach ache, fever) have them remain at home.

Communicate with teachers for school work

Update on HINI (Swine Flu) Vaccination Availability

Camden County

Locations for non public schools:

Camden Catholic High School-----ll/17, 2009 @ 1 -7PM Our Lady of  Mt. Carmel School---12/l4/2009 @ 2-7PM

St. Rose of Lima School ----- 12/15/2009 @ 2-7PM

Gloucester Township and Gloucester County will publish dates and sites when available.

Doctors expect to receive vaccine in November

For further information:

Contact NJ Department of Health & Human Services http://www.state.ni.us/health/flu/plan.shtml

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Helpful Household Hints

Linens:

linens, eating utensils and dishes used by those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without proper washing first.

         clean linens (bed sheets & towels) by using laundry soap & tumble dry on hot setting.

avoid putting arms around dirty laundry to carry, use a laundry basket. avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth after touching dirty laundry

wash your hands after touching dirty laundry

eating utensils should be either washed in the dishwasher or by hand with warm water and soap

Toys:

                    hard surface, wood, plastic and metal can be cleaned using cleaning product or bleach & water.

                    sanitizer cloths can be used on smaller items

                    Fabric toys (stuffed animals) should be washed according to product directions.

Waste Disposal:

put tissues in waste baskets after use

avoid touching tissues and other waste when emptying baskets avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth after handling aste

wash hands after emptying waste baskets

follow label instructions for proper disposal of disinfectants and cleaning products.