April 28, 2009
 
Dear Parents,
 
The aim of this letter is to update you on the swine influenza (flu) situation and share public health recommendations that have been made to address it. 
 
The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) would like to inform you that the State of Connecticut is carefully tracking swine flu in response to the recently reported cases in the U.S. and other countries. To date, only mild cases of the illness have been experienced in the United States.
 
At this time, the state and local health departments have advised us that students can continue to attend school, as long as they are not sick and do not have flu-like symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include fever (over 100 degrees F.), cough, sore throat, runny nose or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms that may be experienced with swine flu, includes muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. 
 
If your child is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, it is important that he or she remain home until the child has gotten better and has been well for two days. In order to reduce the spread of germs, you should avoid taking your children to public gatherings such as the mall or sporting events while they are sick. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce the risk of getting the flu and how to protect others from infection. A one-page fact sheet, Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs is attached for your information.   
 
General tips for decreasing the spread of germs include:
·         Most important: washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. Gels, rubs and hand wipes all 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.
·         Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if a tissue is not available, the crook of the arm).
·         Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes.      
·         Carefully dispose of the tissues in a wastebasket, and then wash your hands.
·         Do not share drinking cups or food.
 
We are consulting with local health officials regarding best cleaning practices for infection control in our buildings should a case of swine flu occur.  
 
While the current situation does not warrant school closure, if a confirmed case of swine flu is reported in a school, we may close that school for several days. We will communicate with you immediately in the event of a school closure.
 
If schools are closed, students should be kept home. Avoid visiting public gatherings or making arrangements for your children to visit a friend's home, group childcare, or another settingthat will put them in close contact with other children. We understand that this may be a challenge for your family, and recommend you plan ahead in case of a school closing. 
 
Please stay informed. For information about swine flu, visit the DPH's web site at http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/swineflu , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.
 
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.   
 
 
Sent on behalf of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).
       

Gary                                                Linda

Gary S. Mala                                                     Linda Kauffman
Superintendent of Schools                                  District Nurse Supervisor