August 18, 2009
Dear CTK Family:
By now you are surely aware of the public health concerns generated by the confirmation of several outbreaks of swine flu in the United States, and in the Memphis-Shelby County area. We are aware that the situation is being heavily covered by the various media, and we have had some inquiries concerning our response to this health threat should it become more serious or more prevalent. As in the past, our recommendations and procedures will be described to children in the following manner:
1. Frequent hand washing is recognized as the most effective preventive to the spread of influenza. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are good, but so is a good scrub with soap and warm water. Lathering and rinsing should take about fifteen seconds. Washing should be frequent, and is mandatory before eating and after using the bathroom.
2. Use tissues to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your own bent elbow and shirt sleeve.
3. Keep your fingers away from nose and eyes, and out of your mouth.
4. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, and especially if you are running fever, stay at home until these go away. Parents, please do not dose a feverish child with Tylenol or aspirin and then send them to school sick.
5. Avoid contact with obviously sick people, especially those with upper respiratory infections. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has identified this flu as being transmitted by airborne droplets, spread by sneezes and coughs. The large droplets do not stay in the air long, and some will land on surfaces where they can live for short periods. At school, we will endeavor to keep surfaces clean and practice good hygiene.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. Do not share food or drink from the same containers.
You will notice that none of the advice listed is new, different, or very technical. All seven items are things we do every day to minimize infections of all kinds. We will be more vigilant than usual, though, because the health of our children is our top priority, and because this flu is so easily transmitted.
Other helpful information provided by The Centers for Disease Control includes:
1. The incubation period (time elapsed between exposure and appearance of symptoms) is between 4 and 7 days.
2. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, upper respiratory problems, general achiness, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are also possible. In short, it presents like most flu illnesses.
3. For more information go to FLU.GOVonline.
While we do not underestimate the potential hazard this strain of influenza represents, we believe there is no need for panic or over reaction. You will be notified if we confirm that your children have been exposed to flu. We will follow common sense procedures, and do business as usual, barring a major change in the situation.
Yours, In Christ’s Service,
Tom Wilt, Principal
August 18, 2009
Dear CTK Family:
By now you are surely aware of the public health concerns generated by the confirmation of several outbreaks of swine flu in the United States, and in the Memphis-Shelby County area. We are aware that the situation is being heavily covered by the various media, and we have had some inquiries concerning our response to this health threat should it become more serious or more prevalent. As in the past, our recommendations and procedures will be described to children in the following manner:
1. Frequent hand washing is recognized as the most effective preventive to the spread of influenza. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are good, but so is a good scrub with soap and warm water. Lathering and rinsing should take about fifteen seconds. Washing should be frequent, and is mandatory before eating and after using the bathroom.
2. Use tissues to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your own bent elbow and shirt sleeve.
3. Keep your fingers away from nose and eyes, and out of your mouth.
4. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, and especially if you are running fever, stay at home until these go away. Parents, please do not dose a feverish child with Tylenol or aspirin and then send them to school sick.
5. Avoid contact with obviously sick people, especially those with upper respiratory infections. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has identified this flu as being transmitted by airborne droplets, spread by sneezes and coughs. The large droplets do not stay in the air long, and some will land on surfaces where they can live for short periods. At school, we will endeavor to keep surfaces clean and practice good hygiene.
6. Get enough sleep.
7. Do not share food or drink from the same containers.
You will notice that none of the advice listed is new, different, or very technical. All seven items are things we do every day to minimize infections of all kinds. We will be more vigilant than usual, though, because the health of our children is our top priority, and because this flu is so easily transmitted.
Other helpful information provided by The Centers for Disease Control includes:
1. The incubation period (time elapsed between exposure and appearance of symptoms) is between 4 and 7 days.
2. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, upper respiratory problems, general achiness, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are also possible. In short, it presents like most flu illnesses.
3. For more information go to FLU.GOVonline.
While we do not underestimate the potential hazard this strain of influenza represents, we believe there is no need for panic or over reaction. You will be notified if we confirm that your children have been exposed to flu. We will follow common sense procedures, and do business as usual, barring a major change in the situation.
Yours, In Christ’s Service,
Tom Wilt, Principal