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H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information
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 What is H1N1?
H1N1 (also called "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Why is H1N1 sometimes called "swine flu"?
This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. Further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
What are the symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
How does the H1N1 virus spread?
Flu viruses, including H1N1, are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.
What are the Bedford Schools doing to prevent the spread of H1N1?
Bedford Schools pass all routine environmental inspections from the Cuyahoga County Department of Health. The district has in place a variety of routine-cleaning procedures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including H1N1. Some of these procedures include:
- Locker rooms and restrooms are disinfected daily and between sporting events.
- As an additional precaution, a fogger-type disinfectant is used weekly in locker rooms, weight rooms, and other athletic facilities
- Wrestling mats, workout rooms, and other athletic facilities are cleaned daily with a disinfectant/germicide
- The synthetic turf at Bearcat Stadium is sanitized during intervals of high use
- Lunchroom tables are sanitized between lunch periods each day
- A disinfectant is applied to high contact areas, such as doorknobs, drinking fountains, faucets, etc.
- All student desktops are sanitized regularly
- Soap and paper towel dispensers are checked to make sure they are in proper working order
- An air atomizer is used to sanitize air-handling units and air ducts
- In the weight room, students use sanitizing towelettes that have been provided to clean equipment after use, under the direct supervision of an adult.
In an effort to be proactive and prevent an outbreak of H1N1, the Bedford Schools have instituted the following measures:
- Instructing custodians in prevention of the H1N1 virus and the need to be vigilant in cleaning and maintaining school facilities
- Using specialized cleaning products following the daily sanitizing of high contact areas
- Routinely cleaning student desktops with a specialized disinfectant
- Reminding students to protect themselves from getting sick by following the steps listed below:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (including the tops of the hands and under fingernails), especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners containing at least 60% alcohol are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash hands thoroughly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you develop flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone and you no longer need to use fever-reducing medication. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
If a family member at home is ill with H1N1 flu, should students come to school?
Students who are well but who have an ill family member at home with H1N1 flu can attend school as usual. These students should monitor their health every day and take everyday precautions including following the steps listed above. washing If they become ill, they should notify their teacher and go home.
What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?
Wash with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice) to keep your hands from spreading the virus. Alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used provided they contain 60% alcohol. The alcohol in these products, which can be found in most supermarkets and drugstores, kills the germs on your hands. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
What should students do if they get sick?
Students who fall ill should go home and remain home for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone and they no longer need to use fever-reducing medication. This means not leaving home except to seek medical care and avoiding normal activities, including school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
What can families, students, and school personnel do to keep from getting sick and spreading flu?
Students and families must take personal responsibility for helping to slow the spread of the virus by practicing steps to keep from getting sick with flu and protecting others from getting the flu. Families and students can keep from getting sick with flu in three ways:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Students and staff members should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way that the flu spreads is from person to person in the droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it's important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
- Stay home if you're sick. Keeping sick students at home means that they keep their viruses to themselves rather than sharing them with others.
What is the best way to practice good hand hygiene?
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use alcohol-based hand cleaners containing at least 60% alcohol.
- If soap and water and alcohol-based products are not are not available, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful for cleaning hands. However, they may not be as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers.
The above information was derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For additional information about H1N1, please visit these sites:
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