H1N1 Update

This is a note to keep you informed of the flu situation in our school and county.

The Osage County Health Department has received reports of several hospitalizations due to influenza in people from Osage County. Several schools in the area are reporting sending a number of children home with high fevers. Flu season has started early this year, and whether it is seasonal influenza or the H1N1 influenza, the precautions are the same:
• Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer if water is not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (germs can enter your body there)
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. You should not return to work or school until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without using medication).
• Get your flu shot. This is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

Please note that if your child is at school and is running a temperature he/she will be isolated (with supervision) until someone can pick him/her up. We must do our best to keep this germ confined as much as possible.

The Osage County Health Department now has the seasonal flu vaccine available and will have extended hours to allow more people the opportunity to get vaccinated. They will give flu shots on Mondays from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
General advice if you think you have the flu:
• Follow all the instructions above
• Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest
• If you leave the house to seek medical care wear a face mask
• Avoid contact with other people as much as possible
• Use over-the-counter medications for fever, sore throat and cough
• Know that the flu can last up to one week

Please contact the office if you have any questions or concerns.