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Health Alert Revised May 10, 2010

There have been several cases of Fifth's Disease in the first grade in the past few weeks. This is a very common virus which presents with red cheeks that looks like the child has been slapped. Often just prior to the appearance of the red cheeks the child can have mild symptoms of fever and runny nose. Once the rash appears they are no longer contagious. The rash can come and go over several weeks and can appear as a lacey rash on the body. Usually the rash does not bother them but they can have benadryl as needed.See link: fifthdisease

Do not forget to check out the Nurse Web Page! It has lots of important information and resources !

New 2009/2010 immunization requirements affecting grades K,1,6 and/or age 11

Change in New Hampshire Childhood Vaccination School Requirements
Immunization Program
Published Date:	03/09/2009
Contact Information:	Public Information Office 603-271-6526
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces changes to the vaccination requirements for school children. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, children entering elementary school, sixth graders, and those who turn 11 years of age will be affected. This change, under New Hampshire law, RSA 141:C, involves the chickenpox and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. This year, a child who is 11 years of age or older, must receive a one-time dose of Tdap vaccine if it has been 5 years or longer since the last documented dose of a tetanus immunization. If a child has a medical contraindication to pertussis vaccine, the child shall receive a vaccine that only covers tetanus and diphtheria. All incoming kindergarten students, 1st graders, and 6th graders who do not have a history of chickenpox disease will be required to have two valid doses of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. Kindergartners who have had chickenpox will be required to show documentation of immunity by a confirming laboratory test. History of disease as reported by a healthcare provider, or parent, is acceptable for 1st grade through 12th grade, and should be documented in the student’s school record. “Immunization requirements are established to ensure that students have the protections they need to keep them healthy and to maintain a healthy environment in which to learn and achieve,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “Vaccines are the single best advance in public health in the last century and have saved countless lives. We owe it to our children to protect them.” The Department urges all parents who have children enrolling in elementary school and sixth grade, and parents who have children turning 11 years of age to contact their primary care provider to see that all immunizations are up to date prior to the first day of school. The State of New Hampshire does allow for children with medical and religious exemptions. However, during an outbreak of a communicable disease for which immunization is required, by law, an exempted child may be asked to stay at home for a number of days. For additional information about vaccinations, go to www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/IMMUNIZATION/default.htm or call the NH Immunization Program at 1-603-271-4482.

PEANUT/NUT ALLERGIES:

In order to protect students with severe allergies to these products

Please be aware that grades PK, K,1,2,3,6,7 and 8 need to be peanut free / nut free in the classroom
PARENTS of students with food allergy concerns must arrange to meet with the nurse/teacher prior to the start of school
This includes almonds,cashews, and pistachios products.
READ ALL SNACK LABELS
Peanut products are not served in the school cafeteria
Students with Peanut/nut allergies will sit at a special peanut/nut free table
The table should be wiped down before and after each use
All students who eat a peanut product at lunch time must wash their hands after lunch
All other students should use the hand sanatizer as they exit the lunch room
NO STUDENT SHOULD SHARE SNACKS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Do not forget to check out the Nurse Web Page! It has lots of information!

BIKE HELMENTS IS A MANDATORY STATE LAW SINCE JANUARY 1, 2006 FOR ANYONE UNDER AGE 16. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL WITHOUT ONE ON YOUR HEAD!

Fremont School District, SAU 83

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Influenza Response Plan

The Fremont School District is working collaboratively with state and local health agencies to provide employees, parents, guardians, students and the community with the latest information regarding the H1N1 (swine) influenza. Ellis School will remain open at this time. This response plan is developed in part based on the most recent direction and guidance from these agencies. Please call the school at 895-2511 and speak to the nurse or administration with any questions.

Facts About Swine Flu (H1N1 flu)

Did you know?

Swine flu (H1N1 flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses.
The Swine flu spreads the same way the regular flu spreads.
People with the flu pass it to others by coughing and sneezing.
Swine flu can cause fever, runny nose, being tired, sore throat, and coughing.
Swine flu is not spread by eating pork. This flu has not been found in pigs in the United States.
Most of the time the Swine flu sickens people for a short time period. But like the regular flu, some people have gotten very sick and a small number have died from Swine flu. There are medicines that can treat Swine flu.

How can you stay healthy and keep from getting the Swine flu?

Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Try not to touch things that may have the flu virus on them.
Stay home when you are not feeling well.
After sneezing, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
Sneeze into a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow. Do not cover your mouth with your hands.
1-888-330-6764 public inquiry line available from 8am-8pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions For Parents about Schools and Child Care Programs and the H1N1 Flu From the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS) We are providing answers to frequently asked questions for parents about school and childcare and the current H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu). A public inquiry line is also available 8:00 AM- 8:00PM for questions at 1-888-330-6764.

How will I know if schools and child care programs should/will be closed?

School and child care closure decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with state and local public health and education officials. In considering whether to recommend closure, public health officials will consider whether there is a confirmed or probable case; the severity of the virus; whether the patient was infectious when at the school or child care facility; and whether closure will decrease the spread of illness in the community. Frequent communication will take place with affected schools. School closures will be announced just as they are for weather-related closures.

How will we know when schools re-open?

Decisions to re-open schools will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with state and local public health and education officials. Schools will announce plans to re-open just as they make announcements for weather-related closures.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?

The symptoms of H1N1 are the same as for other types of flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

When should I keep my child home from school or childcare?

If your child has flu-like symptoms, consult your health care provider. If your child has influenza you should keep them at home for 7 days or until 24 hours after symptoms are gone. A public inquiry line is also available 8:00 AM-8:00PM for questions at 1-888-330-6764.

What are the H1N1 influenza infection prevention measures I can take to protect my children and family?

Many good materials can be found at the CDC website www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu . We have also attached a good prevention handout.

How worried should I be about the H1N1 virus? To date, the cases of H1N1 influenza in the United States have been mild, with most patients recovering well and not experiencing symptoms any more severe than the regular flu. Health and public officials are monitoring this strain of influenza so closely because it is a new virus and we need to be alert in case it becomes more severe.

What should I do if schools and/or childcare programs are closed?

If schools or child care programs close you may want to think about working together with two to three other families to supervise and provide care. Studies suggest that child care groups with fewer than five children typically have fewer respiratory infections.

What if my child goes to a residential school and they or other students are sick with influenza symptoms? • Residential schools are being advised to voluntarily isolate students either at home, in the infirmary, or another setting separate from non-affected students. These recommendations are subject to change as additional information about the H1N1 virus becomes available.