H1N1 FLU UPDATE

Cheatham County Schools are working closely with the Tennessee Health Department to gather the most current information regarding the H1N1 flu.  Cheatham County Schools will follow CDC guidelines and the Tennessee Department of Health’s plans for combating the virus, including decisions on school closures.  According to the most recent reports, the CDC recommends schools should only shut down if the virus is widespread.

Meanwhile, health officials continue to stress the importance of hand-washing and covering your mouth when you sneeze and cough to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.  “Good health habits like washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick help protect everyone from the flu,” says Tennessee Commissioner of Health Susan Cooper.  “In addition, seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all students every year.  It is expected that a vaccine against the new strain of flu will also be available later this fall.”
Below is a list of CDC recommended school responses for the 2009-2010 school year:

• Stay home when sick:  Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.
• Separate ill students and staff:  Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home.  CDC recommends they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective wear such as a mask.
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:  The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention:  stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
• Routine cleaning:  School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use.  Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.
• Early treatment of high-risk students and staff:  People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.  Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.  People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

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Technology Updates !!

The Tech Department has designed a BLOG to better communicate and keep everyone updated on the modifications and enhancements being made going into the new school year. Visit the Technology section of the website and click on the "BLOG" link found in the left hand column.

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