TO:  RSSC Employees and Community

FROM: Michael J. Necessary, Superintendent

DATE: May 1, 2009

SUBJECT: Guidance For H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu)

Health officials have continued to report that symptoms of the flu virus – now officially known as Influenza A (H1N1)/North America/Human – are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and the effects on most individuals in the U.S. have been mild. We ask that you assist us in ensuring that students, staff and their families remain cautious, but calm, as this situation develops.

This isn't a situation to panic in, but is a situation in which we will increase our normal precautions. So far, Indiana has had one confirmed swine flu case -- that of a University of Notre Dame student who has since recovered, but we need to get prepared. We are in a very global environment these days. Families travel, parents travel to work, relatives of our kids travel.

Randolph Southern families need to know that 1) the health and safety of our students is always our top priority, 2) we are taking proper precautions now to prevent the spread of this flu, and 3) we are prepared to take additional action if necessary.

Based on current guidance from the Indiana State Department of Health and Department of Homeland Security, school closures are only required in the event of a confirmed case of the H1N1 flu virus at this time.

What we should do now

For now, I urge you to stay informed, promote good basic hygiene practices, and encourage students to stay home from school if they begin developing flu-like symptoms. The Indiana Department of Education will continue to share additional information and instructions with us as the situation continues to develop.

1)   Review emergency preparedness plans

· We are reviewing our local emergency and contingency operation procedures.

· Communicate our crisis plan within our school community.

· Consider such contingencies as alternative means for providing education for students in the event that the school must close.

2)   Encourage good personal hygiene

· 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.

3)   Try to avoid close contact with sick people

· Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

· Consider staying home from work or school if you get sick and limit contact with others.

· If you have milder flu symptoms, consider staying home and contact your health care provider for advice. Seek medical care if symptoms become more severe, such as high fever, trouble breathing, or inability to keep down fluids.

4)   Get credible information

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

·         Indiana State Department of Health: www.in.gov/flu or www.in.gov/isdh, 1-877-826-0011

Symptoms and how it spreads

The symptoms appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza, including fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The spread of this virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

Influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get influenza from eating pork or pork products if they are prepared correctly.

Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products are safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.