What is the H1N1 flu virus?

The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory (breathing) illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular seasonal flu. It has appeared around the world and has been declared a pandemic (world-wide) influenza virus by the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms include fever and cough and one or more of the following:

• sore throat
• muscle ache
• joint pain
• weakness

Children under 5 may vomit and have diarrhea.

The virus continues to resemble seasonal influenza in the majority of cases. Individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms of sufficient severity that require medical attention should contact their health care provider or call the Telehealth Ontario 24/7 line at 1-866-797-0000.

How contagious is the virus?

The H1N1 flu virus spreads like seasonal flu. When infected people cough or sneeze, droplets are released into the air. If other people are close by (within 2 meters or 6 feet) they may breathe in the droplets, which can lead to infection. People may also get infected by touching droplets on a person’s hands or droplets that may have landed on hard surfaces such as door knobs, and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Why are people worried about H1N1?

Since the H1N1 flu virus is a new type of virus, many people don’t have the immunity to fight it. This means that more people could get infected compared to an average year.

Are vaccines available?

The Board will provide vaccine information to schools when notified by the Health Unit. At this time, the when, how and for whom vaccines will be available is not finalized.

How is the Board responding to H1N1?

The Board is working in close cooperation and has daily communication (as required) with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (Health Unit). We have been assured that they are very sensitive to the Board’s concerns regarding the operation of schools. The Board is ready to take whatever advice or action the Health Unit recommends. More information is included in these Q and As (see below).

The Board’s Pandemic Response Plan for (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus is posted on the Board’s website (www.ugdsb.on.ca).

Will schools be contacted if someone in the school has the H1N1 virus?

The Health Unit IS NOT reporting individual confirmed cases. This is consistent with WHO direction. H1N1 is considered a virus that is in our communities. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6. This phase is declared when there is evidence of sustained community transmission in more than one WHO region indicating that a global pandemic is under way. The declaration is based on the spread of the virus, not the severity. The virus continues to resemble seasonal influenza with mild symptoms in the majority of cases.

What will be said to a school community that is asking for details on cases in the school?

Since the Health Unit does not confirm cases with school officials, no letters or communication will be sent home. This includes any information on individual cases – confirmed or not – that is brought to the school’s attention by students, staff or parents. Parents and staff will be told that because there is no reporting of confirmed cases, the community will not be provided with any notice that there are students or staff in the school with (H1N1) 2009 influenza. In addition, they will be reminded that an individual’s health information will not and cannot be shared due to privacy legislation (FOIPPA and MFIPPA). That includes information on all children and staff members.

Regardless of the fact that a school will not be notified by the Health Unit that the influenza virus is in the school community, enhanced cleaning practices will apply:

• daily cleaning and disinfecting; and
• reinforcing measures to prevent the spread of influenza and other infections.

Will schools be required to report suspected H1N1 cases and the number of flu-like illnesses to the Board or the Health Unit?

The Health Unit is developing a reporting system which will provide direction at a later date.

What if a child at school has flu-like symptoms?

Principals and school staff will monitor the general health condition of students. Note: It is the principal’s responsibility to decide if a child should be sent home from school.

If a child becomes ill at school, the school will:

• Call the child’s emergency contact person to take the child home. Schools should request at least two emergency contacts from parents; three contacts are welcome.
• Isolate the child from the rest of the school population until he/she is picked up to be taken home. Use the 6 foot rule (keep 6 feet away from others), isolate the child in a space that can be monitored (health room if available) or other location.
• If a child rides the bus, parents will still be contacted and asked to pick the child up at school.
• If the child can’t be picked up and rides the bus, provide him or her with tissues and put the child on the bus to go home. Bus drivers will be asked to isolate an ill child (one per seat, if possible) for the bus ride home.
• Tell parents that their child is to stay at home and return only after seven days have passed since the symptoms were noticed.
• Remind parents that teachers are reinforcing the importance of regular, thorough hand washing and good personal hygiene every day. Students and staff are also being asked to avoid sharing food, beverages and other personal items. Appropriate hand washing breaks will be built into the school’s daily routines.

Parents should do the following when the child gets home:

• Contact the family doctor or heath care provider
• Seek additional information from the Health Unit Flu Hotline at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4164, or the website: www.wdghu.org
• Information on the H1N1 virus is available in other languages at TeleHealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000.

What advice will parents who are afraid that their children with underlying health conditions and/or are immuno-suppressed will contract the virus be given?

These parents will be told to contact their doctor if they have any concerns to find out what steps to take. Parents can be directed to the Health Unit, and TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. School administrators and staff are not “health experts” and can not comment on specific medical conditions, etc. If students are sick, they should return to school only after 7 days from the onset of the symptoms.

What is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus?

To stay healthy generally and prevent the spread of the influenza and other infections:

• Wash hands well and often with soap and water.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or arm.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Contact your family doctor and stay at home if you are ill.
• Practice social distancing (minimizing contact with others, not going out in public while symptomatic).
• Stay home if you are ill and only return to school/work 7 days after you notice the symptoms.
• Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if you are ill.

Will the Board be providing hand rubs and tissues to schools and workplaces?

Yes. An initial allotment will be delivered to each school along with a form to order additional supplies.

Will schools be closed? Will a school be closed if it has a confirmed case of H1N1?

The Board aims to keep schools open unless directed to close by the Medical Officer of Health. School closures are not recommended at present. The Health Unit is not confirming individual cases of H1N1.

What if parents simply choose to have children stay home?

Children who are healthy are expected to go to school. Parents will be advised not to withdraw their children as a precaution. Parents must understand that it is expected that their child attend school on all days identified in the school year calendar and if their child is absent that they must ensure the continuity of learning for their child. Since the virus continues to resemble seasonal influenza, those who are feeling well should continue to attend work and school. Parents of children who have chronic medical conditions should consult their family doctor or health care provider.

What specific plans are in place in the schools?

The Board is taking a number of steps to ensure that it is prepared.

Information: A general information letter was sent home on the first day of school (September 1). Materials for posting in schools (washrooms, staff rooms, bulletin boards, etc.) and for insertion in school newsletters have been distributed by the Health Unit and the Board. New or revised information will be provided as it becomes available or the situation changes.

Education: Children are reminded daily to wash their hands frequently, practice good personal hygiene, and how to and when to use hand rub (sanitizer) if soap and water are not available. (Note: parents may send hand rub to school with a child if they wish). We are reinforcing sneeze and cough etiquette, and asking students and staff not to share food, beverages or personal belongings. Staff and parents/community volunteers who are serving food (e.g. pizza, hotdogs, thanksgiving lunches, etc.) should wear disposable gloves.

Caretaking Routines: As flu season approaches, we will begin to focus custodial work on cleaning/disinfecting high risk surfaces and areas (hand rails, door knobs, light switches, washrooms, primary classrooms, classroom sinks, etc.). Please see the Operations (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus Infection Control Measures section of the Upper Grand Pandemic Response Plan for details (posted on the Board’s website).

Are drinking fountains being turned off?

No. Regular practices and precautions should be followed (i.e. students are reminded to avoid touching the spout of drinking fountains. As per standard practice, students should avoid sharing of food, beverages and other personal items. Children are welcome to bring their own personal water bottles to school.

How often should children wash their hands?

Frequent hand washing routines are being built into regular school routines. Consider hand washing before and/or after key transitions: recess, nutrition breaks/lunch, eating, visits to the washroom, use of computers.

What other steps can are being considered at school to protect against the H1N1 virus?

Leaving classroom doors open, where possible, as the flu can spread from touching infected surfaces such as door knobs. Students will be supervised to ensure standard cleaning procedures for instruments (use of Sterisol), and wash their hands before and after instrumental music activities.

Will JK/SK classrooms be a focus for cleaning?

As the flu season approaches, Caretakers will do the best they can to ensure enhanced cleaning and disinfection of JK/SK classrooms and equipment occurs to according to the Board’s H1N1 routines.

Will Waste Audits continue?

Yes. Waste audits are a requirement and they will continue with the usual precautions (gloves, hand washing before and after, etc.)

Are breakfast and snack programs and other activities involving food being cancelled?

No. As per standard practice, these programs will continue under normal, diligent adult supervision (disposable gloves, no sharing of food, hand washing before and after eating, etc.).

Will clubs, co-curricular activities and Community Use of Schools be cancelled?

Not at this time.

Will things change if there is an outbreak?

If there is an outbreak or the situation changes and the Board is asked by the Health Unit to modify practices, the following MAY be considered: limiting or eliminating rotary classes (elementary schools), relocating classes to lower risk areas, examining computer use where there are multiple users. In all these cases, or if there are concerns, Principals should contact their Superintendent before making any changes to routines.

Can we expect changes in cleaning routines?

As the flu season approaches, there will start to be changes in cleaning routines. Please see the Board’s Operations (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus Infection Control Measures (on the Board’s website with the H1N1 Pandemic Plan) for Reduced Housekeeping Procedures and Changes in School Practices, and Infection Control Cleaning Practices.

Where can I obtain more information about H1N1?

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health:

• Flu Hotline: 1-800-2657293, ext. 4161
• Website: www.wdghu.org

For H1N1 information (also available in other languages):

• TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

UGDSB website:

• www.ugdsb.on.ca

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care:

• www.health.gov.on.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada:

• www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

World Health Organization:

• www.who.int

 H1N1 Parent Letter