Swine Flu Information

Dear Parent or Guardian,

This letter is for informational use only in response to the recent H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) news. An outbreak of the Swine Flu has caused the United States to issue a public health emergency. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 17,855 cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection with 45 fatalities. Although we have limited cases in Idaho, we are doing everything possible to protect the health of our students and prevent against the spread of swine flu.

Below is a list of routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu:

1.Keep your child home from school and contact a health physician if they are experiencing coughing and have a temperature of 100.5 or higher.

2. Instruct children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around your child from getting sick.

3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

4. Wash hands frequently to protect against germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

5. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

The Twin Falls School District is staying informed and monitoring the situation every day. You are also encouraged to check the CDC web site (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ ) frequently for updates and revised recommendations.

Let us assure you that the health and well-being of our students is our top priority and we are doing everything possible to take proactive measures. Please feel free to contact the Twin Falls School District Office at 733-6900 if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Please Note: If you are experiencing the above symptoms and have traveled recently or visited an area of confirmed cases, please contact your health physician immediately.