H1N1 Flu Information Page

Please check back here for up to date information regarding the FLU and your childs welfare here at school.

GENEVA (AP) -- The World Health Organization said it will stop using the term "swine flu" to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs.

WHO spokesman Dick Thompson said the name change comes after the agriculture industry and the U.N. food agency expressed concerns that the term "swine flu" was misleading consumers and needlessly causing countries to order the slaughter of pigs.

Direct – to the point- There are no cases of confirmed H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus among students or staff at Venture Academy. There was a student in Ventureland who was tested because his symptoms were similar to those identified as the virus. He cleared the next morning with a test for the common flu. While the Swine Flu test takes 2-3 days they can rule it out with a test for the more common flu strains.

Below is helpful information. Within the text are numerous links to articles and facts about the virus.

Common Questions regarding Venture Academy and H1N1

Q: Will you shut down schools?
A: The authority to make that call falls under state public health officials. So far, we know of only 4 California schools that have shut down. CDE is compiling a list.

Q: Under what conditions would schools be closed?
A: Health officials have declared the H1N1 flu a phase five (out of six) pandemic in California – the most serious strain of the disease. The new guidance coming down from health officials is possible school closures, may last only 7 days after the last confirmed case of swine flu.

Q: Will schools lose money if they don’t stay open for 180 days?
A: Reimbursing schools for lost time would require legislative action. Superintendent Jack O'Connell will work with the state lawmakers and the Governor to see that schools don’t get punished for closing down if it is necessary. School facilities may lose Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding if they are forced to close because of the H1N1 flu outbreak. The California Education Code allows the State Superintendent to authorize ADA credit for the days that schools are closed. Districts may also receive ADA credit for all purposes and instructional time credit for the days and minutes lost due to an emergency closure. ADA credit and approval of school closures may be obtained by submitting three copies of Form J-13A. Schools may download the form at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/sf/aa/documents/formj13a.doc (DOC; 46KB; 6pp.).

Q: What can schools do to maintain a healthy environment?
A. Over the past several years, CDE has developed a planning guide to help schools and preschools develop a plan in response to pandemic flu. The guides are posted online at http://www.cde.ca.gov/139430. Every district in California is encouraged to consult with their local health officials to develop a plan to keep their students safe in the event of pandemic or any other emergency.

Q: Testing may be disrupted because of the school closures. What guidance can you give schools?
A: The CDE is gathering information from school districts affected by the H1N1 flu outbreak. The information will be used in consultation with public health officials, the U.S. Department of Education, and our testing contractor to make the best informed decisions possible. Schools and districts are encouraged to use make-up testing opportunities within the 21 day window when feasible. The testing window for the Standardized Testing and Reporting Program is made up of a 21 day window that includes the 10 days before and 10 days after the day on which 85 percent of the school year has been completed. More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Q: Where may the public get the latest info on the H1N1 outbreak and how it affects schools?
A: For the latest updates and guidance related to the H1N1 flu outbreak’s effect on public education, please visit the California Department of Education’s Flu Prevention Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/fluinfo.asp.

More information from SJCOE

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a fact sheet entitled "Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits can Help Stop Germs. If you have announcements at school you may want to share these tips as 'friendly reminders'. There are several "printable" sheets in multiple languages that may be used for dissemination.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_003

Cover your cough: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm
Be a Germ Stopper: Healthy Habits Keep You Well <http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/> : http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/

Flu Prevention Toolkit: Real People. Real Solutions <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/toolkit> : http://www.cdc.gov/flu/toolkit/
Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School <http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm> : http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm

2. The CDC has shared that this is a "novel' virus. Here is some information on common flu symptoms:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm. Individuals who become ill with flu symptoms are encouraged to stay home to minimize the spread.

3. Please ensure that you have sufficient soap and water at your sites so that good handwashing practices may take place.

4. For additional informatioin about the Swine Flu, please visit the CDC website.

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.