April 27, 2009

Dear Seattle Public Schools Students, Families and Staff:

There have not been any cases of Swine Influenza (Flu) reported in the State of Washington or King County. However, there have been confirmed cases of Swine Flu seen across the United States in the last few weeks. Seattle Public Schools staff works closely with the local, state, and national health agencies to investigate any illnesses and/or infections and we have plans in place to deal with any potential outbreaks.

Swine Flu in people is characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you or your child is showing mild flu-like symptoms, monitor and telephone your physician to consult if necessary or you can also consult with your school’s nurse.

Seattle Public Schools wants to remind parents and staff members of the importance of prevention and how to stay safe.

What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu

·        Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

·        Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

·        Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

·        If you are sick, stay home. 

Symptoms of Swine Flu

·        Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue.

Please remember that students should stay home when they have any of the following symptoms: fever (temperature 100 degrees or higher), vomiting or diarrhea, blistery rash, heavy nasal congestion or frequent cough and if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease.

If you have any questions feel free to call the Seattle King County Public Health Department at (206) 296-4949 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/health or visit the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.

Sincerely,

Jill Lewis, RN MN

Program Manager, Student Health Services

Translations:

Amharic – Swine Flu Letter to Families

Cambodian- Swine Flu Letter to Families

Chinese- Swine Flu Letter to Families

Oromo- Swine Flu Letter to Families

Somali-Swine Flu Letter to Families

Spanish-Swine Flu Letter to Families

Tagalog-Swine Flu Letter to Families

Tigrigna-Swine Flu Letter to Families

Vietnamese-Swine Flu Letter to Families

Students may not visit their former school without prior permission. School campuses are closed for 15 minutes after school is dismissed. Seattle Public School students are not to go onto campuses of other schools while school is in session. For example, it is not okay to randomly visit your old elementary school after school, just because you feel like taking the bus there to see your old teachers or to shoot some hoops. Until 15 minutes after the dismissal bell, the campuses are closed.

May is bike to school and work month.  There will be an informational meeting about bike safety on April 29 starting at 6:30pm in the cafeteria.

Download the document as a pdf.