H1N1 FLU INFORMATION
 (Updated 10/14/09)


An outbreak of the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) has caused the U.S. to issue a public health alert. The schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh are doing everything possible to protect the health of students and staff. 

As of 10/11/09, there is a confirmed case of H1N1 at Seton-La Salle High School.

Seton-La Salle Catholic High School Response:

  • Through the school nurse, Seton-La Salle is working with the Allegheny County Health Department to monitor the situation and participate in surveillance and monitoring procedures at the local, state and national levels.

  • Sister Patricia has reminded building custodial staff of the importance of preventative cleaning and to make sure supplies of soap, hand sanitizers and towels are maintained.

  • Hand washing procedures and cough etiquette were reviewed with students to reduce the spread of disease.

Flu Prevention Tips

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

  • The flu comes on much more quickly than the common cold, has more severe symptoms, and typically lasts 3-5 days. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu can include any of the following: fever (100o  and above) severe cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting.

What should I do to protect from getting sick?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

  • Cough or sneeze into your upper arm if you do not have a tissue.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus, e.g., doorknobs, desks, computers keyboards and faucets.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    Stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

  • Get a seasonal flu vaccine to protect yourself against seasonal flu viruses.

  • Get an H1N1 flu vaccine when this vaccine becomes available.

What should I do if I get sick?

  • Stay home for at least 24 hours after you are fever-free (without fever-reducing medication).

  • If you suspect you have the flu, contact your health care provider and the school immediately.

How long will I be infectious?

The virus can be shed from 1 day before getting sick to 5-7 days after getting sick.

Call or take your child to a doctor if your child has:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing

  • Bluish or gray skin color

  • Not drinking enough fluids

  • Severe or persistent vomiting

  • Not waking up or not interacting

  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Chronic health condition (like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, immune compromised) and develops flu-like symptoms.

Is there medicine to treat the flu?

  • Antiviral medication is used to treat the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Your doctor must prescribe it within first 2 days of the illness. The priority use for these medications is for people who are seriously ill or are at risk for serious flu complications.

  • Contact your family physician if you have questions about your or your child’s health.
     

RESOURCES:

MTLSD Health Services Department Flu Prevention Tips

PA Department of Health H1N1 Information

CDC H1N1 brochure

CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

CDC H1N1 Flu Guidance for Schools K-12

Allegheny County Health Department H1N1 Fact Sheet

Talking to Children About H1N1 Flu (NASN, PTA, NASP)

Stopping Germs at Home and School

 

H1N1 INOCULATIONS SITES
(Updated October 9, 2009)
 

Recent guidance recommends that all persons between 6 months and 24 years of age receive the vaccine once it becomes available. Watch our website for further information.

I.   ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Group B (Allegheny County)

As of October 9, the public school districts listed below have responded but they have not yet determined whether or not they will be inoculation sites and/or whether or not they will be able to provide the service to our schools.  A few have indicated their desire to assist us but no final decision has yet been made.  This group is ON HOLD until more information is received from the public school districts. Please DO NOT REGISTER at this time.

Fox Chapel:  Christ the Divine Teacher & St. Mary

McKeesport:  St. Angela Merici & Serra

Mt. Lebanon:  St. Bernard & Seton-LaSalle

Pine-Richland:  St. Alphonsus


 
Seton-La Salle Catholic High School      1000 McNeilly Rd      Pittsburgh, PA 15226      (412) 561-3583      fax (412) 561-9097