In recent weeks, the Arizona Department of Health Services has reported that "...influenza activity continued to decline and Arizona’s influenza activity moved to the “local” level." Our State Health Department and the CDC continue to urge people, particularly those at increased risk, to be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. The influenza season is not over, and H1N1 remains widespread in some states and parts of the country.
According to the CDC, although flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months.
H1N1 flu shots are now readily available throughout the Valley, including at major chain pharmacies and supermarkets.
Your family physician can tell you if you should get a flu shot.
IMPORTANT NEW NEWS: Voluntary school-based influenza immunization programs kicked off statewide the week of November 2. The first CCUSD immunization clinic took place on November 3. A second clinic will take place at BMES on Thursday, December 3. For more information, please click here. To pre-register your child for the December 3 clinic, please click here.
On Thursday, October 1, CCUSD sent a letter to all District families regarding the apparent onset of the flu season on our District campuses. Specifically, this letter explained that confirmed cases of Influenza Type A were being reported at schools throughout CCUSD.
That same day, all BMES students were sent home with a letter from our principal, explaining that one case of H1N1 influenza (also referred to as "swine flu") had been confirmed at our school.
The BMES PTO Wellness Committee will share information about the 2009/2010 flu season as it becomes available. In light of the recent developments in our District, we wanted to share a few quick points with you about influenza, including the H1N1 flu virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- H1N1 is a new influenza virus. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009, and is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
- Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
- Spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses 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.
- When the H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu, which usually affects the elderly most frequently and most severely.
- Almost all of the influenza viruses identified in recent months and weeks have been H1N1 influenza A viruses. This is why CDC actually instructed doctors, clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities that they are no longer required to report H1N1 as a novel or new virus. Rather, they are instructed by CDC to simply track and report the incidence of flu-like illnesses.
- According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 100% of the subtyped influenza viruses at the Arizona State Laboratory during the week of September 20 to September 26 were H1N1 influenza viruses(view related reference here).
- According to CDC, during this same time period of September 20 to September 26, 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC from across the nation were influenza A (H1N1) viruses (view related reference here).
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
H1N1 is and most likely will remain the predominant type of flu our community faces this flu season. Again, however, most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
Nonetheless, the flu, be it H1N1 or the regular seasonal form of the flu, should always be taken seriously. The CDC estimates that 36,000 people die due to the flu each year. Individuals at highest risk of complications from H1N1 include: pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes, suspressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.
This year, the flu is expected to affect more younger people, including school age children.
Take steps to prevent the flu and know what to do if you or a member of your family becomes ill with the flu this season.
Information about flu prevention and flu care from the CDC:
TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT H1N1
When talking to children about the flu, just as with anything else, the most important step to take is to educate yourself first. Know the basic facts about H1N1—the symptoms, how it spreads, and how you can help protect yourself and your child from getting sick.
Consider following some of these helpful tips from the CDC:
- Share information about H1N1 in a calm, reassuring manner. Be careful not to worry children.
- Limit their exposure to media and adult conversations about H1N1. The media has and likely will continue to report on H1N1 in relatively alarming terms. Check the facts before becoming unduly alarmed. Don't underestimate the seriousness of the flu, but don't let the consumer media be your primary information source. Talk to your doctor or refer to a reputable medical organization to get the facts.
- If your children are watching television, try to watch with them or make sure you are available to answer questions about H1N1.
- Use their questions as an opportunity to talk about what they can do to avoid getting H1N1 flu.
- Keep activities as consistent and normal as possible, even if your normal routine changes due to daycare or school closures.
- Be a good example. Show children that you wash your hands frequently with soap and water. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth or use a tissue then throw the tissue away.
See Talking With Children About Flu for more tips.
PREPARE FOR THE FLU DUING THE 2009/2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Before you are faced with a sudden school dismissal or a sick child, find out what your employer’s procedures are for working from home while you care for children out of school, or sick family or household members.
- If working from home is not possible, plan ahead for child care at home if your child gets sick or their school is dismissed.
- Identify a separate room in the house for the care of sick children or other household members.
- Update emergency contact lists.
- Have workbooks, learning videos, and other materials available at home that support classroom exercises.
- Collect games, books, DVDs and other items to keep your family entertained if anyone must stay home for an extended period of time.
- If school is dismissed, monitor the school’s Web site, local news, and other sources for information about returning to school.
THE BMES PTO WELLNESS COMMITEE
To address the challenges of this year's flu season, the BMES PTO Wellness Committee will be sharing important and regularly updated information here. This information will always be fact-based and sourced. If you have any questions or comments about the information posted here, please contact Lisa Wheeler, our Wellness Committee Chair and PTO Co-President.
The Wellness Committee also will be installing additional soap dispensers in restrooms at school, and purchasing educational posters about hand washing and other flu prevention techniques for placement in the restrooms and throughout school.
If you would like to contribute to our efforts to help combat the flu this season, please contact Lisa Wheeler.
Below you will find a CDC news feed that will remain timely with new information coming from the Agency about the flu. Click on the widget's "news" tab for updates from CDC.
During the past week, influenza activity continued to decline and Arizona’s influenza activity moved to the “local” level.
This page was last updated: February 5, 2010
The BMES PTO Wellness Committee Welcomes You
The 2009/2010 influenza season officially began Oct 4. Get the facts that you need to know, and stay informed, by visiting here periodically for new information, updates, and reliable resources.
At left are several influenza PSAs which are suitable for all age groups. Important public health information also can be found at these sites:
