| Novel H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Information |
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This document is provided as a service of the Premier DeKalb County School System to assist parents/guardians and other stakeholders in protecting the health of themselves and their families. It also informs the community on the district’s continuing efforts to keep students and employees safe.
Interim Recommendations for Parents/Guardians |
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The DeKalb County School System is working closely with the DeKalb County Board of Health (DBOH) and is receiving on-going guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and the  Georgia Department of Education [ http://www.doe.k12.ga.us ] (GaDOE). The school district modifies its procedures in response to revised guidance from these agencies. |
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The key is to stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of germs. All persons are encouraged to frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Hand sanitizers are currently being placed in schools and other district facilities. Furthermore, cover your cough/sneeze by using a tissue (and properly discard) or your sleeve if a tissue is not available. |
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Students (and others) with flu-like illness (fever 100+° F or 37.8° C with a cough or sore throat) should keep away from others as much as possible, stay home and not attend school or go into the community (except to seek medical care or for other necessities) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in other neighborhood and community settings outside of school. |
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Parents/Guardians should monitor their child for flu-like symptoms. Students, faculty and staff who appear to have a flu-like illness upon arrival at school or during the day will be promptly isolated in a room away from others. If the ill person is a student, his/her parent will immediately be called. Persons who appear to have a flu-like illness will be sent home. Do not administer medication containing aspirin to a child 18 years of age or younger who is exhibiting flu-like symptoms. |
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The CDC has revised its position on school dismissals (closures). Currently, a decision to close schools will be made by the local Board of Education upon receiving recommendations from the CDC and the DeKalb Board of Health. This decision will be based on the virus’ impact on school operations (staff absences, student absences, etc.) and/or the need to hinder the spread of the virus. Schools may not necessarily be closed based just on a single suspected or confirmed case of Novel flu. |
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Please review the Roll Up Your Sleeve brochure and other information on Novel flu on the DeKalb School System website and visit this site regularly for updates and new information. Discuss with your child ways of staying healthy and how to reduce the spread of illness by practicing hand hygiene and cough etiquette. You may also access information from www.cdc.gov/flu, www.flu.gov and www.dch.georgia.gov. |
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The CDC, DCH and DBOH encourage citizens in high-risk groups, such as school-age children to get vaccinated against seasonal and Novel flu viruses. |
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