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Dear Concerned Parents:
I attended a meeting at the Health Department early this morning and have some updates for you. They informed us that there have been confirmed cases of H1N1 in Cass County. This flu virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and touching objects contaminated with the virus. Signs & Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing, & sneezing; some may have diarrhea and vomiting. Duration: Most people feel better within a week. What to do: If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise healthy, consult your doctor as needed by phone and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks fluids. If your child is younger than 5 (and especially younger than 2) and has medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or neurological problems, ask if your child should be examined. They may be at higher risk. When can children return to school: Your child may return to school after having the flu when s/he is fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. What is A-C Central Doing: Encouraging the 3 C’s (Control Cough or sneeze; Clean hands; Confine yourself); busses are disinfected every day; door handles, restrooms, desks, water fountains, etc. are disinfected regularly; hand sanitizer is available in the lunchrooms and the computer lab and to every teacher. We’re trying our best to keep a healthy environment! What happens next: Our attendance has been down a bit—but we are monitoring it regularly. If need be, we will cancel school. Additionally, we have been tentatively scheduled to inoculate our children on November 17th. Chandlerville will be done in the morning and Ashland in the afternoon. Cass County Health Department has not received their vaccine yet—so we’ll keep you informed if this information changes. Permission slips will be coming out soon with more information. Regular flu shots will be available at the Virginia clinic from 5-8 October 23. Call if you have any questions! Superintendent Becky Canty |
