A Note From Dean DiPippa - H1N1 Update
Today, we learned that we have three unofficial cases of the H1N1 virus within the student body at Bowen. These students began feeling symptoms during the long holiday weekend, and they are now waiting on doctor confirmation of the nature of their flu. They are staying isolated from the general population, and we are thankful for their concern and judiciousness in regard to the spread of the flu. We are also hopeful for their complete recovery. They will remain away from the general student population until they have been fever-free (without the assistance of fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours.
Now more than ever, we need your help to keep more students free of any flu virus. You are our best defense against the flu’s rapid spread.
Here are a few things you can do to help, even before the official flu season begins:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. We have them at each public desk in the building.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.
- Fever – A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
- Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
- Generalized weakness
- Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat and watery discharge from your nose
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
- Decide whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Talk to your doctor for more information. Talk to your doctor about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
If this year’s flu season becomes severe, we may have to take additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously monitoring any spread of the flu within the central Arkansas area and will share more information on those steps. For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
Attached is a fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with additional information on the flu. We will notify you by e-mail,
Twitter,
Bowen's home page, and the
school's Facebook fan page of any additional changes to our strategy.
Keep yourself healthy,
Dean John DiPippa
