In the past few days, the news media has made the public aware of the confirmed and suspected cases of the swine flu in Mexico and a few parts of the United States. Our local schools are working with the Health Department to monitor the situation and participate in surveillance and monitoring procedures at the local, state and national levels.
What is swine flu? As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
What is Livingston ISD doing? Livingston ISD is cancelling all out-of-district travel for employees and students - Effective until May 11, 2009.
All UIL Events have been cancelled until May 11, 2009 by the State University Interscholastic League. Click Here for more details.
Livingston ISD is referencing the materials presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the official site for information regarding swine virus. This site is updated frequently throughout the day.
Collaborating and communicating with the local health department and city officials.
Monitoring this situation campus by campus with the cooperation of school nurses and principals.
Using proper hand hygiene and instant hand sanitizer.
LISD Maintenance and Custodial staff members are fogging the campuses to help sanitize as well as disinfecting the buses.
Providing education about respiratory hygiene which includes coughing and sneezing into one’s sleeve or tissue.
Exercising proper and standard cleaning with approved agents.
Following guidelines for exclusion regarding communicable diseases which can be found in the student/parent policy guide.
We have created a section of our website to post any further information as needed. Click Here!
What can you do? It is the responsibility of everyone to help contain this virus by staying home if you or your child is exhibiting signs of this virus.
Please notify the school nurse of positive test results.
Contact your health care provider as there are medications that are useful in shortening the illness and duration of the virus if given in the early stages of the illness.
Avoid close contact with others if you are exhibiting signs of the virus.
Encourage good health practices.
Our goal is to keep the students of Livingston ISD healthy and safe. If you have any questions please reference the CDC, your personal health care provider and the school nurse. We will keep you updated on any changes involving the students of Livingston ISD.
Dr. Darrell Myers Superintendent of Schools Livingston ISD (936) 328-2100
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