CRAVER MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSED DUE TO FLU

PUEBLO, September 28, 2009 – Pueblo School District 70 working closely with the Pueblo City-County Health Department decided to close Craver Middle School in Colorado City due to almost 40% of students reporting influenza like illness. School will be closed until October 2, 2009 and will resume October 5, 2009.

“We realize the impact this will have on parents, the school and community. However, at this time we feel it is the appropriate step to minimize the spread of illness and to have the least academic impact on all of the students,” stated Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods, the executive director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department.

This comes at a time when two additional adults have been placed in intensive care with influenza. This brings the total of individuals who have been hospitalized to six. Dr. Nevin-Woods also recommends all individuals continue to monitor themselves and family members for influenza like symptoms including a fever. If these symptoms worsen, or if you have an existing chronic medical condition call your medical provider. Your medical provider may want to start you on antiviral medication right away.

Children, teens, and young adults are affected disproportionately with 2009 H1N1 flu. Dr. Nevin-Woods added, many individuals do not realize they are at risk for complications and possible hospitalization. She recommends stay home and isolate yourself if you feel flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue.

Individuals who are at-risk for complications for 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu and may need to see a health care provider include the following:
o Infants and young children
o Pregnant women
o People 65 years of age and older
o People of any age with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, weakened immune systems from cancer, HIV or immunosuppressive medications
o People with kidney disease, diabetes or neurological and neuromuscular diseases
o People younger than 19 years of age with diseases requiring long-term aspirin therapy
o Individuals with other chronic diseases

Anyone who has flu-like symptoms and gets sicker should see a health care provider.

Signs that a child may be sicker and need hospitalization include the following:
o Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
o Bluish or gray skin color
o Fever lasting more than three days
o Dehydration (no urination in 12 hours)
o Severe or persistent vomiting
o Not waking up or not interacting
o Very irritable and not wanting to be held
o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Signs that an adult may be sicker and need hospitalization include the following:
o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
o Pain or pressure in the chest
o Confusion or increasing lethargy (sluggishness)
o Severe or persistent vomiting
o Persistent fever or cough

Dr. Nevin-Woods encourages getting a seasonal flu shot now as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In October 2009 the Pueblo City-County Health Department is creating a Public Health Ask a Nurse about Flu Hotline to address the continually updated and changing information about flu, and help those with symptoms determine their medical needs.

“Each person must take the responsibility to limit the spread of the flu” stated Dr. Nevin-Woods. In order to prevent the spread of illness people should wash their hands frequently and cover their sneezes and coughs. People who are sick should stay home from school or work. Nevin-Woods stated that it is important not only for the individual who is sick but also for those who are around them and are at risk for serious complications.

Dr. Nevin-Woods reminds people of the actions they should take now.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stock up on first aid supplies and thermometer.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Preparedness and stockpiling may be needed if an illness is near or in Pueblo. Social distancing is implemented to reduce the spread of the illness. Social distancing may be used to prevent large crowds of people from gathering. For example, schools and shopping centers may be closed; sporting events or other special events may be cancelled in order to protect the community from spreading illness.

For additional information on planning for a flu outbreak view the Public Health Preparedness and Response Division on the Pueblo City-County Health Department’s website www.pueblohealthdept.org.