Luzerne County HEAD START Inc.

Information regarding seasonal flu and H1N1

Swine Flu Update August 20, 2009 On August 14, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) information to report... "The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the global spread of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. This reflects that the virus has spread to other parts of the world, but it does not mean that the virus has changed or become more severe. The U.S. is working with vaccine manufacturers on the development of a vaccine against swine flu. Infectious disease experts are studying the H1N1 virus and how it behaves in the southern hemisphere this summer. That information will help public health leaders make recommendations about the vacci ne and other preventive measures in the fall... "The H1N1 virus is a hybrid, with genetic elements of swine influenza, avian influenza, and human influenza. There is no vaccine yet to protect humans against swine flu. Because this is a new strain, seasonal flu shots do not protect people, so good hygiene is important to help prevent the spread of germs. The influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands." In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics answers frequently asked questions by parents and caregivers on its web site.

Know What To Do About the Flu:	One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information.
	Elmo Flu PSAs - Happy & Healthy on Sesame Street Elmo offers his flu prevention tips in four video PSAs on staying happy and healthy. These videos help kids practice habits such as washing their hands and sneezing into their elbow. Watch the Elmo Videos
For CURRENT information from the PA Department of Public Health on H1N1 planning guidelines for schools and communities, please access the following links: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=252990 http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=180&Q=199440&healthRNavrad71C25=|
PA Department of Public Health Slide Show: Guidance for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year [August 17, 2009] Guidance for Schools: Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) Guidance for Schools H1N1 2009-2010 [August 17, 2009]    This link from the CDC provides very specific planning guidance for work sites, as well as additional information on preparation and steps to take if an outbreak occurs at your facility: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm