 Letter from Dr. Robert W. Kern, Superintendent of
North Country Supervisory Union |
*** SPECIAL MESSAGE ***
Swine Influenza Guidance To: Vermont School Nurses
From:
Patsy Kelso, Ph.D.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with public health officials in several states, is investigating cases of febrile respiratory illness caused by swine influenza (H1N1) viruses. Cases of swine influenza infection have been confirmed in several states as well as in Mexico. It is expected that new cases will continue to be identified in the United States. At this time, there are no cases of swine influenza in Vermont. The viruses contain a unique combination of gene segments that have not been reported previously among swine or human influenza viruses in the U.S. or elsewhere.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:
What school nurses should do:
Individuals who meet these criteria should be referred for influenza testing. Rapid tests should not be performed in the school setting if swine influenza is suspected. Contact the Vermont Department of Health at (802) 863-7240 or (800) 640-4374 for further information.
· Identify school-affiliated groups that have returned from travel to the affected areas in the past seven days, and assess travelers for febrile respiratory illness. If such illness is identified, contact the Vermont Department of Health.
Persons with febrile respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, respiratory etiquette and frequent hand washing can lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
For more information about swine flu, visit the Vermont Department of Health website http://healthvermont.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu . _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SWINE FLU What is swine influenza? Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type of influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for swine flu viruses to spread from one person to another. In the United States there were 12 cases of swine flu in people from 2006 through 2008. In March and April 2009 there have been many more cases of swine flu than usual in both Mexico and the U.S. and the infections have spread from one person to another. What are the symptoms of swine flu in people? Swine flu causes symptoms very similar to seasonal (or human) flu. The most common symptoms of swine flu, like seasonal flu, are fever, cough, and sore throat and can include body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. There have been some people with swine flu who have been sicker and have even died. Is swine flu treatable in people? People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. The kinds of drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also be used to treat swine flu. There have been a few influenza viruses, including the most recent swine flu, that are resistant to some, but not all, of these drugs. Healthcare providers may recommend that people who are sick or appear to be sick with swine flu receive an antiviral medication. How would I know if I have swine flu? If you have symptoms of influenza as described above, and especially if you have recently traveled to an area where there have been human cases of swine flu, contact your healthcare provider who will decide what type of testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose any kind of flu virus, a swab of the inside of your nose needs to be collected by a doctor. Identification of a swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing. If you think you might have swine flu and you need to see your health care provider, you should call ahead and let them know you might have the flu. That way, precautions can be taken to avoid the spread of flu to others. What if I recently traveled to a region where swine flu in humans has been found? If you have recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu, be watchful for any flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home to avoid exposing others and contact your healthcare provider; your healthcare provider will decide what type of testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose any kind of flu virus, a swab of the inside of your nose needs to be collected by a doctor. Identification of a swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing. How can I protect myself and others from swine flu? You can protect yourself and others from swine flu the same way that you can protect yourself from seasonal flu. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, etc. If you get sick with a flu-like illness say home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread. All people with swine flu who are not hospitalized, and their household and other close contacts, will need to stay at home to prevent spread of illness to other people. If I have swine flu, can I stay at home? People with mild or moderate illness can and should be cared for at home to prevent spread. Things people who have swine flu who are cared for at home should do include: · check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema · check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications · stay home for at least 7 days after onset of illness; or until free of symptoms (including fever) for 24 hours, which ever is longer · get plenty of rest · drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated · cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands. · Never cough in the direction of someone else. · avoid close contact with others - do not go to work or school while ill · be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home: · has difficulty breathing or chest pain · has purple or blue discoloration of the lips · is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down · has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry · has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions) is less responsive than normal or becomes confused Is there a vaccine for swine flu? No. Right now there is no vaccine for swine flu. According to CDC, it is unlikely that the vaccine for seasonal flu will prevent swine flu. Is it safe to cook and eat pork and pork products? Yes. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork and pork products. Swine flu viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Why is swine flu important? Approximately every 20-40 years, a new strain of the flu virus appears which is very different from the ordinary seasonal flu virus. When this happens most people do not have immunity to this new strain of flu virus and it can spread to many people, across the world, over a short period of time. This is called an influenza pandemic. Some people think that swine flu viruses might play a role in the start of the next pandemic. For more information please visit the websites listed below or call 211.
· Vermont Department Health website · Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites on swine flu
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A Message from the North Country Supervisory Union Superintendent
Dear Community Members:
Greetings, I have had the privilege of being the superintendent of the North Country Supervisory Union (NCSU) for a year and a half. I remain impressed by the commitment and dedication to quality education by members of the NCSU Board, the thirteen schools' board of directors, the administrative team, faculty, and staff I work with each day. Due to their efforts and the support of our community-at-large, our schools are on the move.
ü Since last year, the NCSU Board approved a Strategic Plan, which was developed by a group representing a cross section of our community. This plan will provide a focus on critical needs; academic performance, early education, equity in education, improving management systems, and technology, as well as limit the myriad of demands on school budgets and provide a systemic approach to meeting student needs. In April, members of our community will be invited to revisit our strategic plan to review progress. Adjustments will be made to the plan based upon changing conditions; such as, budget, government mandates, and student achievement.
ü During the past six months, the NCSU office was reorganized to better support our schools and increase efficiency. Areas of improvement include; joint purchasing, technology support management, and personnel services.
ü A Teacher Performance Assessment Program based upon National Teacher Performance Standards was initiated this school year. Administrators and staff are focusing our resources on methodology that supports effective teaching, student learning, positive social behavior, and physical fitness with the target of improving student achievement beyond the state average.
ü Our administrators have been engaged in summer professional development and follow-up sessions focused on the NCSU Teacher Performance Assessment Program and data-driven decision making. The purpose is to provide a collegial approach to better support teachers as they meet the needs of every student in the classroom.
ü North Country Union High School was awarded a Nellie Mae Grant ($100,000) to fund the planning to transform the high school/career center complex to increase opportunities for students to explore careers and develop a passion for a career path.
ü NCUHS graduation rate has increased from 77% to 81% compared to the 85% statewide average.
ü Due to the degree of student behavior issues including harassment, teachers are being provided training and assistance in how to work with students who exhibit behavior that would otherwise cause them to be removed from the regular classroom and increase the cost of their education.
Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a world-wide economic uncertainty, which has increased unemployment and created fear of the future among many. The school boards and administration have struggled in developing budgets this year, balancing vital educational services against taxpayers' ability to support those services. Boards were careful not to cut student programs and worked to keep budget increases to a minimum while honoring employment agreements.
As you ponder your decision regarding the school budgets throughout NCSU, please consider the following facts:
Ø Student New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) scores have risen an overall 6 % over the last 3 years.
Ø The North Country Union High School SY09 cost per pupil ($9,061) is the lowest of any union high school in Vermont.
Ø Current enrollment is 3002; NCSU enrollment decreased 54 students or 1.8% compared to the overall state decline of 4%.
Ø The NCSU budget assessment increase for SY 2010 is 3.7%, compared to the state projected average increase of 6.0+%. Overall expenditures actually will decrease .32%.
Ø Inflation rate as reported by the New England Economic Project is 2.9%.
Ø Schools budget increases average 3.34%.
Ø Student poverty rate ranges from 40% to 76% among our schools for a Union average of 51%.
Our mission and message is clear, during this and coming years all administrators and staff are working together to closely manage and share costs, while educating students to become effective communicators; problem solvers; reflective thinkers; ethical productive citizens; and life-ling learners, while embracing their diversity.
Today greater demands are being placed on our students and staff. Staff need to be even more creative in providing high quality educational opportunities at the lowest possible cost. Students are expected to increase their academic achievement above the state average and be proficient (pass) the NECAP, which continues the raise "proficient bar" through 2012.
To be successful in our mission our schools need your support. I welcome you to become involved with your school(s) and be a part of your child's or grandchild's education experience. North Country Schools will be better able to prepare our students for a diverse and ever changing world with your support.
Please plan to attend your Town Meeting and vote.
Respectfully,
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