Schools Superintendent Tom Jefferson activated the Connect-Ed system on Tuesday, May 5, to notify parents that a case of the H1N1 flu virus, also known as swine flu, had been confirmed in a student at Harvard Elementary School. The school was closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure and to provide the opportunity “to conduct an intensive disinfectant cleaning of surface areas throughout the school,” according to Jefferson. Bromfield remained open, as there were no suspected cases there, and the student with the virus had no siblings at the school, he added.
In his message to parents, which was also posted on the schools website, Jefferson said that school administrators had consulted with public health officials regarding the procedures to be followed. Up until May 4 the recommended policy had been extended closings of schools where there were confirmed cases of the virus. However, an advisory notice received by school administrators on May 4 recommended that students with flu symptoms be kept out of school during their illness and recovery. Jefferson said that such students should stay out of school for at least seven days, even if their symptoms subside.
As of May 5, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 11 confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in New England, including two cases in Connecticut, one in Maine, one in New Hampshire, six in Massachusetts, and one in Rhode Island. Nationwide, 403 cases have been reported, with one death in Texas.
The CDC reports that H1N1 symptoms are similar to symptoms of the flu most common during the winter months: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
To protect against transmission of this virus, officials recommend the same precautions as for any other type of flu:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Clean objects that are frequently touched, such as door handles, telephones, and faucets.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or the flu.
At present there is no vaccine to protect against the H1N1 virus, although the CDC reports that manufacturers are working on a vaccine that is expected to be available in several months. In the meantime, the CDC advises that anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms should see a doctor and should make sure to drink plenty of fluids, get a lot of rest, eat healthy foods, and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to others.
