Just wanted to pass on some quick information to update you on flu awareness here. Some information from today includes:
- my polling of teachers this morning shows that averaged over the school enrollment, about 23% of our students are out today. We continue to remind parents that students need to be symptom free (no symptoms without any medication) for 24 hours before they return to school
- PPS sent out this info to me this morning:
H1N1 update
10/8/2009
The H1N1 flu is here - in fact, it’s probably in all schools. The good news is that for the vast majority of infected students and staff, it means a few days home sick and then a return to school.
We are continuing to hear from health officials that the best thing schools can do is to stress prevention measures. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands often with soap and water, and stay home if you are sick.
What’s with the masks?
Starting the week of Oct. 12, those of you in schools may notice MESD nurses wearing masks when caring for sick students. Do not be alarmed. This is a precautionary measure intended to reduce the spread of the virus from a sick student to a healthy one.
Schools with county health centers will see medical staff taking additional precautions. This may include wearing respirator masks and gowns. Health centers serve as primary care providers - similar to a doctor’s office or hospital. Because of that, staff at the centers follow the same guidelines as staff in hospitals and other medical clinics. MESD nurses and school staff are not primary care providers. Their goal is to isolate sick students and care for them until they can be picked up from school.
Vaccination clinics
PPS is partnering with MESD to host community vaccination clinics at five schools: Wilson High School, Marshall Campus, Madison High School, Jefferson High School and Ockley Green K-8 School. MESD -- serving as an agent for the Multnomah County Health Department -- is providing both the medical staff and the vaccine. PPS is simply providing the space and logistical support.
Like all community vaccination clinics operated by MESD or Multnomah County, the school-based clinics provide no-cost vaccinations to anyone who walks through the doors. Children under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
We’re still finalizing the dates and times for the school-based clinics. Once finalized, our school-based clinics will be added to a master schedule of all community vaccination clinics in the county. As soon as we can, we will share that information with you and our families.
