District and Parents Must Work Together on H1N1 Flu Situation

Leavenworth USD 453 is in regular conversation with the Leavenworth County Health Department, and receives updates from Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Center for Disease Control regarding the H1N1 influenza virus situation.  and many other agencies are closely monitoring the current public health situation related to H1N1 influenza virus.


These public agencies provide information and guidance on the safety procedures to the district.  District nurses and administrators are working hard to provide guidelines for reducing the transmission of the virus and decreasing illness severity.  Please find a great deal of useful information on how to keep you family healthy this fall.

To help decrease the spread of flu among students and staff, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that students and staff with influenza-like illness remain home until 24 hours after resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

-Fever greater than 100 degrees

-Body aches

-Coughing

-Sore Throat

-Repiratory congestion

-In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.  At the present time, there is no vaccine available to protect against the H1N1 influenza A virus, but there are effective treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.   

As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:

-Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.

-Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.

-Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

The 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is not transmitted by food.  You cannot get the virus from eating pork or pork products. 

Click here to learn of action steps parents can take if school is dismissed or children are sick and must stay home.

Click here to watch a video on effective hand washing.

Leavenworth USD 453 addresses disinfecting with daily cleaning of all knobs, desk surfaces, and other touch surfaces.  Cleaning is done to prevent illness and follows established industry supported methods. 

Have questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus?  Call the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at a toll-free number Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1-877-427-7317.  You can also email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov for answers to your questions.

Other Resources:

Leavenworth County Be Prepared Website - www.bepreparedleavenworth.org 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment - www.kdheks.gov

Centers for Disease Control - www.cdc.gov/swineflu