H1N1 Information: ACS The purpose of this page is to inform the ACS community and public about efforts at ACS undertaken to combat the spread of H1N1 and other flus and viruses. It also serves to document any developments related to H1N1 outbreaks in Abu Dhabi and the ACS community. It also contains informational and educational material for community members about how they can protect and care for their family members if they are ill. In regards to the H1N1 "Swine" Flu that is high in the public's awareness right now, ACS is in adherence with all the Abu Dhabi Government Directives which it has received to combat H1N1 outbreaks. ACS is also taking its own precautions to help minimize effects. ACS like other international schools in Abu Dhabi, has had students with the H1N1 flu virus reported and being kept at home. Also like other schools, ACS does not have plans to close unless the situation becomes critical. Please contact the school nurse or administration if you have questions. Current policies and efforts in place at ACS to combat the spread of H1N1 include: - Directing parents to keep students home at the first sign of being sick: coughing, runny noses, and especially fevers.
- Children who are sent home due to flu symptoms must not return to school for 7 days or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours (without the use of medication), whichever is longer.
- Schools are to required file a report with the ADEC for any children sent home with flu symptoms.
- Letting parents know when there are H1N1 cases reported at ACS.
- Sending out informational emails and articles to the community about ways to protect oneself and what symptoms to look for
- Sending school staff to government information meetings and trainings about H1N1
- Enforcing hand washing during school and before eating, and teaching correct hygiene for sneezing and coughing.
- Regular disinfecting and cleaning of hallways, doors and classrooms
- Staff emergency rapid response teams have been organized for various emergencies, including medical. This has been done even before the H1N1 concern.
Instructions on how to protect from the flu: (click here to download a more detailed fact sheet) - Wash hands often with soap and water. One can also use sanitizing hand gel with 60%+ alcohol content.
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Or cough into your elbow or shoulder
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- At high risk are children under the age of 5, pregnant women, those under the age of 5, those with preexisting medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
- Receive a flu vaccine
H1N1 Symptoms: (from: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/04.html) The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coug
If someone is sick: - Keep them at home. Make sure they drink plenty of liquids, and give children Tylenol or Ibuprofen in per the instructions, to help keep the fever and symptoms minimal. Keep them in an area away from others in the house.
- Children who are sent home due to flu symptoms must not return to school for 7 days or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours (without the use of medication), whichever is longer.
- If symptoms get worse, seek medical attention immediately.
Action Steps for Parents if School is Dismissed or Children are sick and must stay home: - Be prepared to support learning activities if the school makes them available (check Course Help sites). Have school materials such as text books, workbooks, and homework packets available at home.
- Have activities for children to do at home. Books, Games, DVDs, Legos, Art projects, etc.
- Ask if you can work from home to take care of your sick child.
Other documents with useful information: Links to H1N1 Information
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