But parents are being asked to prepare for possible closures if the new virus continues to spread, according to schools spokesman Andy Cagle.
“At this time, the local health department has advised us that students who are not ill can continue to attend school,” Cagle said. “School will remain open. We are consulting with local health officials regarding best practices for infection control as well as cleaning practices for our schools. However, to keep flu from spreading to more people, we ask you to keep sick children home. Any children who come to school with flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness will be sent home.”
Ron Sapp, director of the county Health Department, said as of late Friday that there no confirmed cases in North Carolina. Sapp meet with school officials and county epidemiology team Friday morning to keep everyone apprised of the evolving situation.
In addition, the county Health Department has established a help-line for callers with questions about the illness. The telephone number is 277-2470, ext. 4439.
"At present we have no been hit with a lot of calls about H1N1, but we want to be ready with a resource in place," Sapp said.
Flu-like symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F.), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms may be experienced with swine flu, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your child is getting flu, it is essential that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else—such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events—where other people would be exposed to the virus. Children who are getting ill may exhibit different behavior than usual, such as eating less or being irritable.
Health officials say to prevent the spread of the illness people should take the following precautions:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
Proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 6 percent alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
Stay at least three feet from people who are sick. That’s the same distance as a yardstick.
People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are better.
You may also get information at /www.cdc.gov" or www.ncpublichealth.com" www.ncpublichealth.com, or CARE LINE, the toll-free number that North Carolinians can use to get answers to their questions. The CARE LINE number is 1-800-662-7030.
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