April 29, 2009

Dear Parents, Guardians, and SMCPS Staff Members,

As you may already know, swine flu has been detected in North America and countries around the world.  While St. Mary’s County and St. Mary’s County Public Schools have not been affected at this time, monitoring of the virus provides an opportunity for proactive communication about St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ influenza preparedness plan. 

Currently, the school nurses are emphasizing to staff members and students the importance of personal hygiene. 

• Children and adults who are sick should stay home from school or work and contact a health care physician if you have flu-like symptoms. (Staying home from school or work and limiting contact with others when you are sick is an important measure.)
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth, to reduce the spread of germs.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
• Practice other good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious foods, stay physically active, and drink plenty of fluids. 

In collaboration with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, guidance for swine flu screening at the schools has been put in place.   School nurses will follow the recommended clinical criteria when assessing flu-like symptoms in students and staff.  Symptoms of the flu include:  Fever greater than 100^oF, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.  If you have these symptoms and have come in contact with a confirmed swine flu case or traveled to an area with known swine flu cases, you should immediately contact your health care provider, the school nurse, and the St. Mary’s County Health Department.

The following websites can provide additional resources and information: 

www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm,

www.cdc.gov/swineflu/,

www.dhmh.state.md.us/, and

www.ed.gov.

The health and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are doing everything necessary to address any swine flu concerns. For more information, please contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department at 301-475-4330.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Martirano , Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools