District seeks to prevent spread of H1N1

Published: September 1, 2009

DSCN0261 Washing hands and using etiquette when coughing and sneezing are all things that students around FHN can do to help prevent the spread of any virus. One of the viruses currently under the District’s radar is the swine flu, also known as H1N1.

There are approximately 303 million people in the United States. H1N1 is affecting people all over the country. Unlike most, it’s not a stomach flu but a respiratory and fever flu.

“Flus are spread by water droplets; when someone sneezes or coughs you can get it,” District Superintendent Renee Schuster said. “Usually the most vulnerable people are babies and grandparents. This one is different because it’s vulnerable to other people.”

Testing at colleges say that the most people likely to get H1N1 are people ages 6-24. Vaccinations will be supplied in October. The government will purchase 606 million vaccinations country-wide, allowing for two shots per person.

Even though vaccines will be available starting in October, many places – including schools – are doing their best to prevent the spread of H1N1 now. FHN is trying to get students to use their best judgement when it comes to being sick, especially when it comes to simple mannerisms. They also ask that students and staff don’t return to school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.

“We will be asking the faculty to pay attention to the students [and] send them to the nurse when sick,” Schuster said. “We will be sending home ill students and staff members.”

One thing FHN is doing to remind students to make healthy, sanitary choices is hanging up some informational posters around the school. These posters will give students tips to follow to help stay healthy.

“A lot of people are aware of this but there is still a lot of education that needs to be done,” nurse Bea Hubbard said. “I think they will help. They’re good posters.”

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