[PENSACOLA] – Anticipating an increase in  flu-like illnesses as students return to classes, Escambia County Health Department officials remind residents of the steps they can take to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses such as novel H1N1 flu.  Parents are asked to look for letters going home during the first week of school on preventing novel H1N1 flu. Residents can get detailed information -- including how to take care of a sick child at home – from the health department’s website at www.EscambiaHealth.com.

“Federal and state health officials tell us that outbreaks of flu-like illnesses including novel H1N1 flu are likely when children return to school,” said Escambia County Health Department Director Dr. John Lanza. “Fortunately, most people who have become ill with this new virus recover without medical treatment. The most important step that we can take is to stay home when we are sick.”

Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. However, the virus can be more serious for individuals who are at higher risk of complications from seasonal influenza. Those at higher risk include children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

The health department recommends that parents and teachers explain to students the importance of the following basic preventive hygiene measures:

-- Stay home when sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever without the use of fever reducing medicine.
-- Make it a routine to wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
-- Cough into your sleeve or into a tissue, not into your hands.
-- Avoid contact with those who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
-- Get your seasonal flu shot. When the novel H1N1 flu vaccine becomes available in late October, pregnant women and school-age children are a priority group for receiving the vaccine.

“We’ve been working closely with the school district to ensure that we keep our children safe,” said Dr. Lanza. “Parents are our partners in this effort. Keeping sick children home is best.”

Symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

If a child becomes sick with flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat or cough, their parents or caregiver may want to contact their physician, particularly if they are worried about the child’s symptoms. Contact the physician by phone before going to the office or clinic so that the child does not needlessly expose others in the waiting room.  Each person’s physician will determine their appropriate care including staying home from school if they are sick. 

For additional information about taking care of a sick person in your home, and CDC guidance for specific groups, visit www.EscambiaHealth.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

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