April 29, 2008

The State of Colorado is in a heightened surveillance stage as a result of a swine flu virus that is making people sick in several states and also in Mexico.

Park County Public Health is advising that students can continue to go to school at this time, as long as they are not sick with flu symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F.), cough, sore throat, headache, runny or stuffy nose, muscle ache and fatigue. Additional symptoms may be experienced with swine flu, including vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else---such as group childcare, or sporting events, where other people would be exposed to flu germs. If your child is kept home from school with any of these symptoms you will need to notify the school and Park County Public Health. Your child cannot return to school until a full 24 hours have passed with no fever present.

It is important for students as well as parents to follow standard flu precautions:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Gels, rubs and hand wipes work well as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
• Cough coughs and sneezes with tissue or by coughing into the side of your elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve—not your hands.

By practicing good hygiene, we can limit the spread of flu and other illnesses in our school.

Although, at this time there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Park County, this is a good time to have a family discussion to consider options and prepare for the possibility of school closure, should an outbreak occur. School officials are working closely with Park County Public Health for guidance during this outbreak.

Where can I get more information?

Colorado has a general information hotline available for the general public:
1-877-462-2911

For additional information, each of the school offices has an informational handout or you may contact Park County Health at 719-836-4149.