Seasonal and H1N1 Flu

1. Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Guidance on helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs respond to Influenza Season September 17, 2009 Presented by: Leona Davis BSN RN 806.762.8815 office 806.786.8977 cell ldavis@spcaa.org

2. Recommended strategies to use now for flu conditions • Get vaccinated against the flu: • Best way to protect against the flu seasonal or 2009 H1N1- is to get vaccinated. • H1N1 vaccine expected to become available later in the fall ( mid- October)

3. Five(5) primary target groups for vaccination against 2009 H1N1 flu 1. Pregnant women 2. People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age. 3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel. 4. People age 6 months through 24 years 5. People age 25 through 64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from influenza.

4. All children and many staff in early childhood settings will fall within these target groups and should be among the first to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. • Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination for more information on vaccines.

5. Stay home when sick • Children and caregivers with flu-like illness should remain at home and away from others until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 F or greater) or signs of a fever, without the use of fever reducing medications • Symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

6. Conduct daily health checks • Upon arrival to center, Teacher will need to complete a quick health check of the child and if any flu-like symptoms presented, have parent remove the child from school. • Observe all children and staff and talk with each child’s parent or guardian and each child. • Look for changes in the child’s behavior, a report of illness or recent visit to a health care provider, and signs or symptoms of illness. • During the day, staff also should identify children and other staff who may be ill. • Ill children and staff should be further screened by taking their temperature and inquiring about symptoms.

7. Performance Standards • (d) Ongoing care. In addition to assuring children's participation in a schedule of well child care, as described in Sec. 1304.20(a) of this part, grantee and delegate agencies must implement ongoing procedures by which Early Head Start and Head Start staff can identify any new or recurring medical, dental, or developmental concerns so that they may quickly make appropriate referrals. These procedures must include: periodic observations and recordings, as appropriate, of individual children's developmental progress, changes in physical appearance (e.g., signs of injury or illness) and emotional and behavioral patterns. In addition, these procedures must include observations from parents and staff. • (e) Involving parents. In conducting the process, as described in Sec. Sec. 1304.20 (a), (b), and (c), and in making all possible efforts to ensure that each child is enrolled in and receiving appropriate health care services, grantee and delegate agencies must: • (1) Consult with parents immediately when child health or developmental problems are suspected or identified;

8. Separate ill children and staff • Children and staff who develop flu-like illness while at the early childhood program should promptly be separated from others until they can be sent home. • Space should be provided where the child can be comfortable and supervised at all times

9. Encourage hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette of both people who are well and those who have any symptoms of flu • Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible • Keep hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes • Cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing( or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available) • Remind children not to share cups or eating utensils.

10. Perform routine environmental cleaning • Areas and items that are visibly soiled clean immediately, all areas cleaned regularly • Focus on items more likely you have frequent contact with the hands, mouths, and bodily fluids of young children (toys, and play area). • CDC believes no additional disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond routine cleaning is required.

11. Encourage early treatment for children and staff at high risk for flu complications • Talk with their health care provider to determine if they are or members of their family are at high risk for flu complications. • Staff and parents of children under age 5 who become ill should contact health provider to determine if they need antiviral treatment. • Early treatment (within 48 hours of onset of illness) with antiviral medications can decrease the risk of severe illness from influenza.

12. Consider selective early childhood program closures • Flu transmission is high, may consider temporary closures with goal of decreasing the spread of flu among children less than 5 years of age • Decision to selectively close will be in partnership with public health officials.

13. For Additional Information on Seasonal or H1N1 Flu you can visit the websites below:www.flu.govwww.cdc.govPlease take every precaution possible to prevent the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu to children and adults.