News Release: 7 October 2009

2009-2010 Flu Season

School Health Poster News of the spread of an H1N1 flu strain has become a topic of concern throughout communities in Europe. DoDDS-Europe is working closely with the European Command Medical Authorities to monitor the swine flu situation across the theater. It is important that the schools and medical facilities work cooperatively to share steps that can be taken to protect students and staff members.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include fever (greater than 100°F), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, and fatigue. DoDDS-Europe school nurses and staff will be closely monitoring students for any signs or symptoms and will act accordingly. Additionally, DoDDS has emphasized the importance of the daily cleaning routines conducted in schools; the chemicals and procedures used in DoDDS facilities are effective against viruses similar to the swine flu. There are a few things that parents can assist with in the prevention efforts that will greatly help:

Have your child frequently wash hands and keep hands away from the mouth nose and eyes. For young children, a good guideline is to have them lather their hands for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song two times. When done correctly, hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Reinforce your children’s awareness of cough and respiratory "etiquette procedures," i.e. covering coughs and sneezes. See attached poster.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Individuals should contact their local healthcare provider for follow-up. To prevent spreading the illness to others, an ill person should stay home and away from others until that person has been symptom free and without fever for at least 24 hours.
Stay tuned to command information channels such as AFN for updated information.
The following links are a good source of information about flu and other contagious diseases:

DoDDS-Europe will continue to keep the school community aware of health precautions being taken in the schools. For information about your school preparations, please contact your principal. Thank you for your continued support of DoDDS students. Their health and safety are top priorities.