H1N1 INFLUENZA (FLU) UPDATE - September 2, 2009

Dear Parents,

There have been several reported cases of the Swine Influenza (Flu) in the United States, Oklahoma, and now Tulsa. One thing that we want to avoid is creating a sense of panic. However, we do need to take precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

For safety purposes, Dove Science Academy is asking to please keep your children at home if they develop any cold or flu-like symptoms. At DSA, we are taking all possible precautions to prevent H1N1 from spreading.

What we are doing to protect your child:

• We emphasize to all students the importance of washing hands often.
• Students are given extra opportunities throughout the day to clean their hands. They are also instructed on proper cleansing practices.
• Our school has purchased extra hand sanitizer and other cleaning materials that will be offered to students on a regular basis.
•  Students and teachers will wipe down their own desk before each class session.
• Teachers wipe down the classroom doorknobs regularly with chlorox wipes
• Janitorial staff will monitor and sanitize common areas such as the restrooms periodically throughout the day.
• The school nurse will engage in daily monitoring of students

What you can do to protect your child:
We are doing everything we can to keep our school functioning as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help. Teach your child to:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your shirt.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective (Germ X).
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep form infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Students who have a household member with a confirmed case of the swine flu should stay home.
• Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
• Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs. Keeping children with a fever home will reduce the number of people who may get infected.

More information on swine flu can be found at our website at www.dsatulsa.org, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Sincerely,
Mr. Kili
Principal, Dove Science Academy-Tulsa

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For additional information about the H1N1 virus and prevention, please visit the following links:

H1N1 Flu and Children - TCHD
Tulsa County Health Department Influenza Advisory - Update 5/5/09
Updated CDC Guidelines for K-12 Schools
H1N1 Novel Influenza Q & A 
Centers for Disease Control - H1N1 Influenza Information
Tulsa Health Department
Stopping the Spread of Germs - Healthy Habits