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Flu Update @ TMES
We will keep the most recent communication about the flu from TMES to our families here. Please check back should you have any questions about TMES policies or information regarding the H1N1 virus or seasonal flu.
For more information on H1N1 in New Mexico, click here.
(Updated February 5, 2010)
Click here for a chart on what to do if you suspect you or someone else has the flu. (Flu Decision Chart)
Click here for the 'Take 3' Actions from the CDC to Fight the Flu.
Click here for the Strep Throat Information page, written by Sharon Richardson RN OCN, TMES Nurse Consult.
Letter sent out September 30, 2009:
Dear Parents, In regard to H1N1 concerns, this is the guidance we have received from The Department of Health and the Department of Education.
“ The Department of Health, as the lead agency for information related to H1N1, would like school officials to know that if a student is sick with influenza, it is assumed to be H1N1 because that is the flu strain that is currently affecting students. It is the predominate strain circulating in New Mexico (and worldwide). Fortunately, the illness caused by this strain has been generally mild. ”
“ School officials should continually provide basic prevention information for staff, students and parents. Basic messages should include: frequent hand washing; when coughing or sneezing cover one's mouth with tissues or cough into the inside of one's elbow; cleaning high use school surfaces regularly; and staying home when sick. Symptoms of H1N1 include a fever, cough and/or sore throat. People should stay home until 24 hours after a fever breaks without using a fever-reducing medicine. ”
Our recommendation is that you contact your child's doctor for treatment. We also recommend that you call the doctor first instead of taking your child into a public waiting room. TMES is working hard to make sure that we keep our students safe and healthy by encouraging our students to wash their hands regularly, sending children home with any signs of sickness and taking extra steps to make sure our facility is clean and disinfected.
Please see our flu link at: http://tmesnm.com/NewTMES/template/jumppage/FluUpdatePage.htm .
Best regards,
Mary Jane Besante
TMES Principal
Letter sent out September 28, 2009:
Dear Parents,
We have had our first documented case of the flu at TMES.
This is a reminder to follow the guidelines for prevention of any flu including H1N1 (Swine Flu).
- Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds (singing the ABC Song twice).
- Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option.
- Keep hands away from face and avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, not your hands. Dispose of tissue immediately.
- Get a flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine (when available).
- Call your child's Primary Care Physician if you suspect that your child has flu symptoms.
For further information, please see Flu Update link on www.tmesnm.com home page.
Thank you for your help in keeping TMES healthy and safe.
Best regards,
~ Mary Jane Besante, Principal & Sharon Richardson, RN, OCN
Update to Original letter, September 27, 2009: The Department of Health is recommending that children with a fever of 100 or greater who have a cough and/or sore throat should wear a mask until they are picked up by the parent. We feel it is important to make both the children and parents aware of this as a mask can be a little frightening.
Original letter sent out August 27, 2009:
TMES- Influenza & H1N1 Information
August 27, 2009
Dear Parents,
With the flu season fast approaching, TMES would like parents to be aware of precautionary measures that are being taken to decrease the spread of regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (swine flu), while limiting the disruption of day-to-day activities that is vital to learning. The Centers for Disease Control are releasing new guidelines to help TMES promote a safer environment for students. These guidelines include recommendation that all children aged 6 months to 19 years of age get a seasonal flu vaccine and a H1N1 flu vaccine when available. Also, it has been determined that school closures are not the best option in most cases.
Since influenza virus can survive on an environmental surface and can infect a person for 2-8 hours after being deposited on a surface, TMES would like to encourage students to limit the use of water fountains. Each student is encouraged to bring their own labeled water bottle preferably with a spout daily in their backpack. With a full time janitor on staff frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, water fountains) will be wiped down several times per day.
What are the symptoms of the Seasonal Flu?
- Fever (over 100 degrees)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
What are the symptoms of H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu but the most common ones are:
- Fever (over 100 degrees F)
- Cough
- Sore throat
The Department of Health recommends that parents check their children each morning for illness, and keep them at home if they have influenza-type symptoms. A child who has a temperature above 100 degrees F at TMES, will be sent home. Please remember to keep your child home for at least 24 hours after a fever breaks without using fever-reducing medication.
Please review the following recommendations with your children and keep them home if they are sick.
- Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
- Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol and if the hands are not visibly soiled. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer and supervise use.
- Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Flu is spread mainly through cough and sneezing. Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve—not your hands! If a tissue is used, it should be thrown out immediately.
- Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.
For more information on H1N1, click here.
Thank you for your help in keeping TMES healthy and safe.
~ Mary Jane Besante, TMES Principal and Sharon Richardson, TMES Nurse Consult
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