H1N1 PREPAREDNESS

As reported in the media, the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus (commonly called “swine flu”) has rapidly spread across the world. Public health officials indicate an increase in H1N1 cases should be expected this fall. In response, the Sun West School Division has developed and is implementing Pandemic Preparedness Procedures. The primary emphasis of the procedures is prevention through education and good hygiene practices as well as procedures that detail the process of how the school division will function should significant numbers of students and staff be infected.

Prevention efforts will initially focus on encouraging proper hand-washing techniques and additional cleaning of hard surfaces such as sinks, handles, railings, keyboards and counters in order to minimize transmission of the virus. A division-wide committee will monitor influenza-like illnesses in schools in conjunction with the Health District. The committee will coordinate efforts to both manage the effects of H1N1 and insure that schools will remain open and functional.

Useful information on H1N1 is available through the following websites (click on titles below):

Heartland Health District

Province of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Health

Province of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Health (Daily Updates)

Province of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Education

Caring for Yourself when you have the Flu (Influenza) Guidelines

The H1N1 virus spreads from person to person in the same way common influenza viruses spread. Transmission occurs predominantly through coughing, sneezing and touching. Indirect transmission can also occur through contact with surfaces and objects contaminated with the virus from infected persons. It may take up to 4 days for an infected person to show H1N1 symptoms. Once infected a person is a carrier even if he/she does not immediately show symptoms and remains a carrier as long as symptoms persist. For this reason the most effective way to reduce the spread of H1N1 is through observing basic rules of cleanliness. Hand-washing is the single most effective method of reducing the spread of H1N1 and of reducing an individual’s chances of infection. Other key measures you can take to reduce the spread of H1N1 are:

  • Cover your cough and sneeze and sneeze and use your elbow, sleeve or a tissue.
  • Stay at home and avoid crowds when sick.
  • Keep common surfaces clean.

Proper handwashing is the best way to reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus. Proper handwashing techniques include:

  • Remove all rings and wet your hands with warm running water
  • Use liquid soaps rather than bar soaps as bar soaps attract more bacteria.
  • Rub your hands together for 20 seconds so you produce lather.
  • Rinse your hands well with clean running water for at least 10 seconds.
  • Dry your hands with a single use paper towel.
  • Use hand lotion to put moisture back into your skin if your hands are dry.
  • Wash your hands several times a day with soap and warm water, especially before meals and after going to the bathroom