Rumors of a Swine flu case in Calhoun City Schools have been officially put to rest. Superintendent Michele Tay-lor stated earlier today that there are no confirmed cases in the school system at this time. “We do have a student that has a type A seasonal flu and we have had several students that have had high fevers and flu like symptoms,” said Taylor.

This statement comes in response to concerns regarding the student diagnosed with flu. The school system re-ported that initially it was thought that the student may have the H1N1 virus. The staff was proactive in notifying parents of the possibility and keeping them abreast of any new information. It has since been confirmed that the virus was Type A and not H1N1.

“We are encouraging parents to keep children home 24 to 48 hours after they are fever and symptom free without taking Tylenol or ibuprofen,” stressed Taylor.

As we begin the new school year, there has been a renewed focus internationally, nationally, statewide and lo-cally on the H1N1 flu virus. Calhoun City Schools has been extremely proactive in monitoring this health situation since its emergence.”

In a letter to parents, Taylor stressed the following information:

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are often similar to regular, seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

We are communicating regularly with the Gordon County Emergency Management Service, Gordon Hospital and the Gordon County Health Department to plan for a response to influenza outbreaks.

Our School Nurses have communicated and will continue to cooperate fully with the local and state health de-partments and the Center for Disease Control regarding any health interventions to be implemented above and beyond usual precautionary measures.

They will continue to update our principals with the most current information regarding the H1N1 flu, including precautionary measures. Our nurses have been instructed to post and follow the precautionary measures concern-ing any and all infectious diseases.

School nurses have been instructed to begin a flu surveillance log by recording the indicated information on the Calhoun City Schools “Monthly Report of Persons with Flu-Like Symptoms.” This information will be reported to all principals at each school to assist in monitoring.

School nurses have been instructed to contact the principal immediately when any specific case causes them concern. Encouraging respiratory etiquette by providing staff and students with: Education and reminders about covering coughs and sneezes. Providing everyone with easy access to tissues, running water and soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners. Reminding staff and students to practice good hand hygiene and provide the time and sup-plies for students and staff to wash their hands, when needed.

Sending sick students and staff home. Advising students, staff, and families that sick people should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. This should be determined in the ab-sence of fever-reducing medicines.

Cleaning surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact with appropriate cleaning agents.

Isolating students and staff who become sick at school until they can be sent home.

“The most important relationships we have are those we have with students and parents! We need your help to prevent the spread of illness in our school, not just H1N1 flu, but any kind of virus. There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy,” she said.

Please encourage your children to follow these simple steps:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If your child gets sick, please keep him/her home from school and limit contact with others to prevent spreading the illness.

If your child is ill and has recently traveled to an area affected by H1N1 flu, or has been in contact with someone who has been infected with H1N1 flu, contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately.

If you would like more information about H1N1 flu, visit the Web site for the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov or www.calhounschools.org.

“Please know that we will take every measure to ensure that your child is safe at school,” Taylor concluded.