Guest Column: Working together we can minimize the impact of H1N1 in schools

It is nearly impossible to turn on the television, pick up a newspaper or have a conversation with a neighbor or friend without the topic of the H1N1 influenza outbreak coming up.

As our school system and county address the varying issues that surround this topic, there continues to be a heightened level of concern among students, parents and employees.

Our schools and central offices get dozens of phone calls daily from anxious parents as well as teachers and other employees looking for information to ease their fears and worries.

We continue to work closely with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health to provide as much information to the public as possible. The most up-to-date information regarding H1N1, seasonal flu and medical recommendations can be found on our Web site (www.aacps.org), the health department's Web site (www.aahealth.org) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Web site (www.flu.gov).

Flu-like illnesses, as everyone is aware, are widespread. Viruses can certainly be acquired in school. They also can be acquired elsewhere, including grocery stores, shopping malls, libraries, places of worship and sporting events.

At present, there are no recommendations for additional cleaning procedures outside of what is normally done in schools, offices and homes. Regular cleaning agents remain appropriate.

The two most important things people can do to contain the spread of flu-like illnesses are to practice proper hygiene (including frequent hand-washing) and to stay home when they are ill.

The Health Department plans to administer vaccines to targeted priority groups at buildings - including schools - across the county when sufficient supplies become available. Plans include holding clinics for both children and adults in school buildings, but outside of the school day.

School nurses continue to monitor students going to school health rooms with influenza-like illness, and we are communicating daily absentee rates to the Health Department and taking particular note of instances where the daily absentee rate exceeds 10 percent in elementary schools and 15 percent in secondary schools.

We have not seen any trend data that rises to a level to warrant any special measures other than what is currently being prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

There have been no recommendations from state health and education officials to close any county school.

It is important to note that either piece of data, when taken individually, can paint an inaccurate picture. Students whose parents choose to keep them home for reasons other than illness are still counted as absentees. Similarly, students sent home with flu-like symptoms could well end up with illnesses other than the flu. In the vast majority of cases, the symptoms of H1N1 and seasonal flu are very similar, as are the treatments.

While there has been a great deal of anxiety, we have been blessed by immense cooperation and understanding from parents and employees as we work to minimize, as best we can, the impact of this outbreak. Awareness is clearly the key. We, along with the health department, will continue to provide parents with updated information. Together, we will continue to address issues as they arise and continue forward on our mission.