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The Coweta County School System sent
letters home with students on Wednesday, April 29th addressing
concerns about the H1N1 virus (swine flu), following
communication about the issue from the Georgia Department of
Education.
The letter informs parents that the Coweta County School System
is working closely with the Coweta County Health Department and
other local and state officials in monitoring health issues that
can affect students and the community. It also provides parents
tips on how to prevent the spread of illness in schools.
Coweta County is posting updated local information and links to
health authorities websites at
http://www.coweta.ga.us/Index.aspx?page=891
The full letter – dated April 29, 2009 – appears below:
“Dear Parents:
Many of you have heard news reports about cases of swine flu in
the U.S. and other countries. Currently, there are no known
cases of swine flu in Georgia. However, we want to share some
basic information with you about swine flu, how we’re
responding, and steps you can take regarding swine flu. Your
child’s health and safety are our top concerns.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs that does not
normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu
do occur. This current strain of swine flu has begun to spread
from human to human, causing illness. The symptoms of swine flu
in people are often similar to regular seasonal flu and include
fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with
swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.
The Coweta County School System has a close relationship with
the Coweta County Health Department. If any local cases of swine
flu are discovered, we will be notified. Likewise, if our
teachers and nurses see students with flu-like symptoms, we will
share this important information with the Health Department.
But perhaps the most important relationship is the one we have
with you. We need your help to prevent the spread of illness in
our schools – not just swine flu, but any kind of virus. There
are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy, and please
encourage your children to follow these simple steps too.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the
trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap
and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
(Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or
mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with
sick people.
- If your child gets sick, please
keep him or her home from school and limit contact with
others to keep from infecting them. If your child is ill and
has recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu, or
has been in contact with someone who has been infected with
swine flu, contact your child’s healthcare provider
immediately.
If you would like more information about swine flu, visit
the website of the CDC at
www.cdc.gov.”
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