Pandemic Flu Information

Do you know the difference between seasonal flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu? Seasonal (or common) flu (influenza ) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available. Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl, but is not easily transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available. Pandemic flu is a virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu. Three pandemic flu outbreaks occurred during the 20th century – 1918-1919 “Spanish Flu”; 1956-1958 “Asian Flu”; and 1968-1969 “Hong Kong Flu.” Like hurricanes, no one can accurately predict when the next pandemic will occur. It is only a matter of time until one does. However, because the world has changed since the last pandemic, advance planning for today’s world environment can help. In the absence of a vaccine, good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home when ill, is the best preventative measure to take.

Welcome

Student Health Services

The Etowah County Board of Education employs 21 nurses to work in all county schools. They are employed through a cooperative program of blended funding from programs within the school system in addition to State funding.

Dawnya Duke - Carlisle Elementary Shakira Leonard - Duck Springs Elementary Ellen Honea - Sardis High Melissa Layfield - Sardis Middle Tammy Phillips - Whitesboro Elementary Wanda Davis - Highland School Valerie Hayes - Gaston School Karen Thomas - Glencoe Elementary Casey Lackey - Glencoe Middle Casey Lackey - Glencoe High Tiffany Dunn - Hokes Bluff Elementary Susan Thrasher - Hokes Bluff Middle Tina Langley - Hokes Bluff High Heather Sims - John Jones Elementary Leslie Hill - Rainbow Middle Shay Layton - Southside Elementary Kelley Reeves - Southside High Kathy Bowen - Ivalee Elementary Tara Helm - West End Elementary Loree Cline - West End High Katy Copeland - Career Technical Center/Alternative School Marie Freeman - Special Education/Lead Nurse

H1N1 Flu

August 21, 2009 The priority of keeping all students safe in the Etowah County School System has brought a heightened awareness of the potential of influenza, including H1N1 (Human Swine Flu). Below are some of the extra measures we are taking in the Etowah County Schools. These steps are based on recommendations from the Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama State School Superintendent, Dr. Joe Morton.


· If your child is sick, keep them at home until they have been fever free for a 24 hour period without the use of fever reducing medicine.


While At School:


· Any student exhibiting symptoms of influenza will be referred to the school nurse for assessment.


· Students with a fever of greater than 100 degrees will be isolated in a designated quarantine area, a mask applied, and parent/guardian contacted.


· School staff will encourage children, parents, and educators to continue the common sense approach to reducing the spread of influenza virus advised last year, “wash your hands often; avoid being near people who are ill; if you are sick – stay home from work or school; cover your cough with a tissue; and keep your hands away from your face. These are simple steps that will lessen the potential impact of influenza in our state and help keep us healthier.”


Visit http://www.adph.org/pandemicflu/ for more information on influenza and continue to watch this website for updates on steps to protect your family

Staff Members