ATTENTION: Please return the consent forms for the H1N1 Inactivated Vaccine by Monday, October 19th regardless of whether you want your child to receive the vaccine or not. The VT Dept of Health is keeping track of school vaccine numbers Thank you, Jennifer Christoffers, MA, CPNP 

Health Advisory : Swine Flu Health Advisory

Swine Influenza Health Advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with public health officials are working closely with school districts to monitor the spread of swine flu and its impact on the health and education of our students. This is a rapidly changing situation that deserves our heightened attention.Cases of Swine influenza (H1N1) have been confirmed in several states as well as in New Mexico. At this time, there are NO cases of swine influenza in Vermont.The Weathersfield School is currently operating as normal, but, again, we are paying close attention to new developments and updated health advisories by the Vermont Dept of Health. Our maintenance department along with classroom teachers have been cleaning and disinfecting desks, countertops and lockers at the end of the school day. The school health office has been monitoring children for any unusually high absenteeism, any signs of febrile respiratory illnesses, anyone who may have traveled to any affected areas in the past 7-10 days, or those who have been in close contact (defined as within 6 feet of an ill person who is a confirmed or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1).

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:Fever (greater than 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C)·         Sore throat·         Cough·         Stuffy nose·         Chills·         Headache and body aches·         Fatigue

Persons with any febrile illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections to others in their communities. In addition, frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid- this includes Pepto-Bismol) to children or teenagers who have flu symptoms, this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

For more information about swine flu, visit the Vermont Department of Health website http://healthvermont.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu