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Schools prepare for swine flu

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By Jeremy Kelley and Meredith Moss, Staff Writers Updated 11:34 PM Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Area school districts seem to have two things in common this week regarding H1N1 flu — few districts reported any increase in sick students, but they’re all preparing in case the virus spreads rapidly.

Local district updates

Northmont: Illnesses are affecting all of the district’s athletic programs, including the varsity football team, according to district Information Officer Tom Andrassy. “We know throughout the Miami Valley, schools are seeing cases, and we are receiving similar reports,” he said.

Kettering: Jim Justice, director of student services, said the district has students with flulike symptoms, but absenteeism rates are normal. Like many districts, Kettering said it is not aware of any confirmed H1N1 cases.

Dayton: Dayton Public Schools are seeing a moderate increase in absenteeism and many students with flu-like symptoms, according to Marianne Urban, the district’s director of health services. Urban said she spoke to custodial staff Wednesday, Sept. 30, about using extra care to wipe surfaces with a germicidal gel. School officials also are considering buying alcohol-based hand sanitizers in addition to supplies that some staff have bought on their own. The district will offer H1N1 vaccine to all students later this month, “but if we get even a 40 percent response, that will be phenomenal,” she said.

Oakwood: Superintendent Mary Jo Scalzo said there is one confirmed H1N1 case each at Harman

and Lange schools. The district suggests parents periodically check www.oakwood.k12.oh.us and click on H1N1 under “Important Announcements.”

Fairborn: Two parents in Fairborn reported that their kids tested positive for H1N1 last month, and schools’ spokeswoman Pam Gayheart said the district is making a big push on handwashing and keeping sick kids at home. Gayheart said she was preparing a survey for parents to gauge how many would take advantage of vaccinations at the high school.

Centerville: Superintendent Tom Henderson said the district has one confirmed student case of H1N1 flu. As part of the district in-service day Friday, Oct. 2, all school nurses will attend a session on the flu.

Huber Heights: One middle school student has confirmed H1N1 flu, according to Superintendent Bill Kirby. Letters were sent to parents on what symptoms to watch for, and custodians are using an antibacterial agent when cleaning schools.

Other districts: Xenia, Springboro and Sugarcreek schools say they have no confirmed cases, and like Oakwood, Fairborn, Huber Heights and Centerville, have no notable change in attendance. Xenia plans an automated call to parents today, Oct. 1, with flu recommendations.

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this is not true we all got swine flu

ashley
11:32 AM, 10/1/2009

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H1Na flu maybe just the same symptom wise as the regular flu, but the big difference here that this is a newer strain that many people have not built up an immunity to. Again even though the symptoms are similar, the rate of spreading this flu is not. This is new so of course so the media is going to be on top of this. You people are the same ones that will complain IF this turns out to be more serious, and they do not report it.

Enough
10:34 AM, 10/1/2009

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I am sure that there are other schools that have cases reported. How come we are not seeing an all inclusive listing?

concerned
7:37 AM, 10/1/2009

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Very concerned, everyone understands your fear and concern. Please look up the percentage's of people that die every year from the flu. The numbers are shocking, which is why people at risk have always been encourage to get vaccinated. I've actually cared for 3 confirmed cases of swine flu. I made sure to take proper precautions and educate their families. Hand sanitizers are good when you do not have access to soap and water but should never replace hand washing.

hospital mom of 4
2:52 PM, 9/30/2009

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Schools do/will allow your child to wash their hands prior to lunch and after recess. I've discussed this with my son's teacher. The problem is that young children, such as mine don't understand the importance of hand washing, and proper hand washing. Washing your hand for the correct amount of time is what makes them clean. Swine flu is a new/newer strand that we do not have a vaccine for and isn't covered by a standard flu vaccine. Get your flu vaccine, wash your hands and stay home when sick.

hospital mom of 4
2:43 PM, 9/30/2009

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