CDC Releases Update on Interim Recommendations for K-12 Schools in Response to H1N1
August 7, 2009
CDC Releases Update on Interim Recommendations for K-12 Schools in Response to H1N1

On August 5, 2009, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released updated interim guidance on ways schools can reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus.  The recommendations are as follows:

•    School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of H1N1 and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.

•    Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness should keep away from others as much as possible, stay home, and not attend school or go into the community.

•    Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the day should be isolated in a room separate from other students and sent home.

•    Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be administered to any individual aged 18 years old and younger with a confirmed or suspected case of H1N1 influenza virus infection due to the risk of Reye syndrome.

•    Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness.

•    Ill students should not attend alternative childcare or congregate in other neighborhood and community settings outside of school.

•    School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school.

•    Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

•    Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and frequently washing hands with soap and water.


See also:

Update on School (K – 12) and Child Care Programs: Interim CDC Guidance in Response to Human Infections with the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
CHHCS News Alert: Obama Administration Says Children and Schools are a Priority in H1N1 Influenza Outbreak Preparedness
CHHCS: Flu Season and Schools