H1N1 Information
We
are actively monitoring the latest developments regarding the H1N1
flu and making plans to address the situation if we have a significant flu outbreak at Sunrise. The Napa County of Education (NCOE) and the California
Department of Health have issued guidelines to us that we will follow
to help prevent the spread of the flu, including the use of
alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the classroom.
First
and foremost, it is imperative that parents keep their children home if
they have a fever of 100 degrees plus either a cough or a sore throat
until 24 hours after the fever has cleared without the use of
fever-reducing medication.
At the September 23rd county conference, we learned the following:
- There has been a big spike in the number of H1N1 cases in the southeastern United States in the last 3 weeks, and the virus is expected to hit our area in the next 2 weeks
- Between 30 and 50% of the U.S. population could be infected with the virus
- The county is being very proactive in preparing for the H1N1 virus
- People who are at risk for becoming seriously ill, healthcare professionals, and those who care for young infants are the priority for receiving the vaccine, which should be available in mid-October
- Others interested in receiving the vaccine are being asked to wait two weeks after it is available
- Children under 10 years of age will need two doses; anyone 10 years and above will need one dose
For further information, please read the Action Steps for Parents issued by the NCOE, and refer to the Center for Disease Control's website. You can also find information at Napa County's website or call (707) 253-4270.
