How to Prepare In Case Swine Flu Impacts Your Child's School

Member

By twincapes
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(2 Ratings)

Swine flu is expected to hit schools this Fall and Winter

As students head to class this Autumn, school districts are gearing up for the return of swine flu. Last Spring, many schools closed for periods of time to prevent the flu's spread. Here are some tips on what to expect this time, and steps to help your kids keep up in case they need to be out of school in the coming year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Whether you believe that the news about the return of H1N1 swine flu is valid or hype, the fact is that school districts have to take the possibility of its return seriously. They are developing plans to help prevent or contain any influenza that does develop. That means your children could be home if the school closes, or they could be home if they get sick to prevent any illness from spreading.
Step 2

Schools will be taking extra hygiene measures

At this time, closing entire schools does not appear to be the first line of response. That is what happened in the Spring of 2009, as the situation was new, and outbreaks were widely scattered. Now that there has been time to assess what could happen, plans will probably not include school closures unless it is deemed necessary to control a large outbreak.
Step 3

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that any students feeling sick should be kept home from school until 24 hours after the symptoms pass. If one person in the family is diagnosed with swine flu, the CDC is recommending that the rest of the family stay home for 5 days (see school guidance below). Students that show signs of sickness at school will be segregated from the rest of the students, and the parents notified to take them home. Teachers and school staff are emphasizing basic healthcare precautions like covering sneezes, washing hands frequently, and cleaning common items like door handles, furniture and railings.
Step 4

Use basic measures like covering a sneeze

What does that mean for you? As a parent, your children could be home more often, either if there is a school closure, or if they have any illness, even a cold. The first thing after taking care of their health is the question of how they will keep up with schoolwork. Some schools already post assignments and upcoming tests on the school website. You should see whether this is being done, as you may need to establish a password to access it.
Step 5

If the school does not have material posted online, it may be a good idea to get teacher information such as an email address at the school and a number where you can leave voice messages. This way, you can get assignments and homework from the teachers to help your kids keep up with work if they need to stay home for any period. You can also advise the teacher on how children are feeling, and when the teacher can expect them to return.
Step 6

Wash hands frequently

Some schools send out mass emails or phone messages to keep parents informed of developments that could affect students. This has been used in cases of weather closings, or in case of school lockdowns due to police activity near the schools. If this procedure has been set up at your childrens' school, you have to sign up for it to be included. Make sure you do so, as it could be used extensively during a heightened flu season.
Step 7

Establish connections with some other parents in your children's classes that can drop off homework or handouts at each other's houses in case the school doesn't have a centralized notification system.
Step 8

Check with your employer to see if they have considered that many parents may have to stay home with sick children. Will unplanned leave be authorized or have they considered the possibility of telecommuting? Bring up the subject so they can at least think about it.

Hopefully this swine flu season will pass without major impacts on schools in your area. Good luck to you and stay healthy.