Dear Parent/Guardian:
Federal, state and county health officials are preparing for a possible recurrence of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, in the United States. The purpose of this writing is to provide families with some helpful information in hopes of limiting its spread in our community.
East Valley Institute of Technology administrators remain in contact with state health officials in order to stay apprised of the latest information regarding the H1N1 virus. Regular meetings take place to design a plan of action toward reducing the transmission of the virus at school.
Parents play a very important role in how the flu will affect our schools and ultimately the health of our community. By taking the following actions, you can help us cut down the rate of flu transmission in our community:
- Help reinforce the important message of proper hygiene with your children. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza. This means teaching them how to cover coughs/sneezes with their elbows, good hand washing habits and to keep their hands away from their face.
- Keep your children home when they are sick. When a child comes to school sick, he/she is subjecting classmates and staff to possible illness. A student should stay home when they are experiencing flu-like symptoms and remain home until he/she is symptom and fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
- Consider seasonal flu vaccine. Although a vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus will not be available until later this fall, health providers will have regular seasonal flu vaccines available in September. The more students are vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine, the better chance of keeping the virus from spreading at school and throughout your family. If your primary care doctor does not have the flu vaccine, contact Maricopa County Community Information and Referral at 602-263-8856 for vaccine locations.
Your willingness to partner with us in preventing wide-spread illness throughout our community is appreciated. Parents will ultimately make the largest impact on the health of families, schools and the community.
Thank you for entrusting the care of your children to us. Our utmost concern is for their health and safety. Please visit the Maricopa County Department of Health at www.wearepublichealth.org for more information.
Warm Regards,
EVIT Administration
