As you may know, one of the biggest issues in the news today is the new H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus was first detected in April 2009. H1N1 was first known as the Swine Flu but research now proves it’s different. The virus has been spreading at an alarming rate throughout the U.S. Many students, staff, and parents have been wondering if H1N1 has hit our school yet.
“There has been no confirmed cases in the school. That might be because you have to go to the hospital to get it confirmed but we’re treating anyone with flu like symptoms as an H1N1 case”, said School Nurse Stephanie Gleason.
All teachers in the district have watched a video about how to sneeze and cough. Staff has been encouraging students to use hand sanitizers more often. In all computer labs there are now hand sanitizers installed on the walls.
There are many symptoms to the H1N1 virus. Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. If you have any of those symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have the H1N1 virus like some people may think. One of the most asked questions is if you have those symptoms does it mean you have H1N1 for sure.
“Students shouldn’t just assume they have it. Their temperature has to be over 100, with a cough, sore throat, body ache, and absence of another known disease. It’s always a possibility, but wouldn’t be confirmed unless a hospital visit,” said Gleason.
H1N1 has effected schools already in Minnesota. Many people have different opinions about how big of deal H1N1 really is. Some say it’s the biggest issue right now and some say it’s being over talked about.
“It can be as big of deal as the media makes it seem, but we’re going to have to wait and see. Right now we’re just focusing on prevention,” said Gleason.
