About Swine Flu - Influenza A/ H1N1

I) Influenza A H1N1
Influenza A H1N1 is a circulating seasonal influenza virus that caused a
pandemic 1918-1919. The present pandemic is being caused by a new sub
type of Influenza A H1N1 which has re-assorted with antigenic segments
from American swine, Eurasian swine, avian and human influenza virus.
The majority of these cases have occurred in otherwise healthy young
adults. The incubation period is from 1-7 days. The virus is spreading from
human to human through droplet infection. The period of
communicability is from 1 day before to 7days after the onset of symptoms.
It may be longer in children (upto 3 weeks). The virus is currently sensitive
to Oseltamivir.

II) Global Scenario

This sub type of Influenza A (H1N1), was first reported in Mexico on 18 th
March, 2009 and then spread to neighbouring United States and Canada,
as on 27th July 2009, World Health Organisation has reported 1,34,000
laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 infection with 816 details
from 73 countries spread over America, Europe, Asia and Australian
continent.

Precautionary measures:

• Practice good hygiene and especially good hand hygiene by washing

your hands and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or
sneezing.
• Avoid crowded places
• Stay more than an arm’s length from persons afflicted with flu
• Get plenty of water
• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
• Avoid sending the children to malls, theatres or other public places.
 Actions taken by the school

1) We are educating and reminding students to practice good hand hygiene

and provide the supplies (easy access to running water and Liquid Hand
Wash like Dettol) for them to wash their hands as often as necessary.

2) We have arranged an address on “Swine Flu” by a renowned pediatrician

in the city and our panel doctor, Dr. Ravi Tyagarajan for all our staff
members.

3) We have permitted the sick students or staff to stay home for atleast 7
days. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home
until atleast 24 hours after symptoms have gone away.

4) We have provided the canteen staff and the house-keeping staff with face
masks and have instructed house-keeping staff to maintain proper hygiene
all over the school premises by cleaning surfaces and items that are more
likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards
etc. with cleaning agents apart from the normal house-keeping chores.

5) All school outings have been postponed.

6) School festivals will be low-key.

7) Water play for KG stands cancelled.

8) Absence from exams, tests, cultural events will be condoned.

9) The Principal has addressed all the students on symptoms and precautions
clearing all myths and doubts.

10) All staff members have been instructed to be extremely vigilant and alert.
Frequently Asked Questions :

1) What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that
cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to
protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.

• If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from
work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should
report to a nearby hospital.

2) What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good
general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching
surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact
with people having respiratory illness.

3) What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and
become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, running
nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their
health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.
Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or
treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay at home and avoid
contact with other people as much as possible to keep spreading your
illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the warning signs,
seek emergency medical care.