April 29, 2009
St. John the Baptist Parish Schools
Taking Precaution Against Swine Flu
St. John the Baptist Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Courtney P. Millet announced today that her administration is taking extra precaution against the swine flu outbreak by providing all public schools with hand sanitizers for every classroom and calling for specially scheduled visits from school nurses to all schools to stress thorough hand washing and early visits to a doctor if flu symptoms develop.
School administrators are also posting fliers through the schools that give information on how to prevent the spread of the flu.
At this time, no cases of swine flu have been reported in Louisiana. However, since the weekend, reports have indicated that the swine flu strain has spread in Mexico and several cases have been reported in the United States.
“We want to take every precaution to keep our children safe, so we are taking this opportunity to increase our supply of germ-killing cleansers in all our classrooms, and to create greater awareness about how good hygiene can help prevent the spread of disease and bacteria,” Dr. Millet said.
Dr. Millet said she is sending a letter and information flier home to parents tomorrow to bring greater awareness of the swine flu outbreak among parents and students. The flier will remind people to observe routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of flu:
- Keep your child home from school if they are sick, and contact a health physician if the child exhibits flu-like symptoms.
- Instruct children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around your child from getting sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Wash hands frequently to protect against germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
Dr. Millet said parents can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu frequently for updates and revised recommendations.
