The H1N1 virus spreads easily in places where large numbers of people gather. That means schools are near the top of the list when it comes to places where the virus may be.
Maryland's Department of Health and Human Hygiene has released a number of documents aimed at keeping the virus from spreading.
Here are just some of the things you or your children can do in school to help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover your sneeze or cough
- Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms
Maryland's Department of Health also says that any student or staff member should stay home at least 24-hours
AFTER their fever goes away.
Schools are also being advised to increase social distance in buildings with a severe outbreak.
Here's what that means:
- teachers should rotate between classrooms, leaving students in one room
- hold classes outdoors where possible
- postpone class trips
- move desks further apart
- divide classes into smaller groups
*Source | Maryland Department of Health and Human Hygiene
Parents can also take steps to prepare for the flu.
Here's what you should do"
- plan to care for sick children at home
- monitor your child's health regularly
- update your emergency contact list
- talk to your school about their flu emergency plan
- get your family vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 (Swine) flu
*Source | Maryland Department of Health and Human Hygiene
ABC2NEWS.COM has put together a
swine flu guide so you can get all of your questions answered when it comes to the H1N1 virus.
