White Oak Independent School District
H1N1 Influenza Report
In the past few weeks, and increasingly over the past few days, concerns about the H1N1 Flu have increased. It is my hope that the information included in this report will help many of you understand the nature of the problem and give you some piece of mind about the actions being taken by White Oak ISD.
First, let me say that we do have students that are ill with flu-like symptoms. There is little or no evidence to say that they have the H1N1 strain. Some local doctors are making a clinical diagnosis of H1N1 but there is no laboratory test data to use for confirmation. The doctors are most likely correct with the diagnosis and will be the first to tell you that the treatment is the same for H1N1 vs. Type A Influenza. If you or your student show symptoms of fever over 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat, it is recommended that you see your family doctor at once. Early diagnosis will allow you to recover and prevent the spread of the flu.
The faculty and staff at WOISD are monitoring the actions of our students to insure proper procedures are being followed to limit the spread of the flu. Antibacterial hand soap is available to all students and staff. The custodial staff is cleaning and disinfecting all common-use areas every night, including the use of industrial strength aerosol disinfecting “bombs” on a rotating basis throughout the district. Attendance at WOISD remains at 96% for the week of September 14, 2009. White Oak ISD has been approved to receive the H1N1 vaccine for all students and staff. There are no firm dates at this time as to when the vaccine will arrive. When we know for sure when the vaccine will be available, instructions on where and how the disbursement will take place will be provided to all involved.
There is no doubt that this flu strain is very contagious and that we must be diligent in our efforts to keep everyone healthy. I know that if all the stakeholders in White Oak will make themselves aware of the facts concerning this problem, we will be able to stay healthy and continue the education process for our students. You can find more information about the flu and the vaccination process on the following websites:
www.cdc.org
www.texasflu.org
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/txflu/default.shtm
Thank you for your help in keeping facts separate from rumors. Everyone at White Oak ISD is concerned about the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.