SBCSS News and Press Releases

County Superintendent Thomas Stresses Flu Prevention and Precaution With Increased Outbreaks

2009-04-30

SAN BERNARDINO - County Superintendent Gary Thomas stressed the importance of schools, students and families to exercise preventive measures given the recent status of swine influenza outbreak in California.

"Confirmed cases of swine flu in California are rising, and it's critical that schools and families remain vigilant and take every precaution to stay healthy and stop the spread of the flu to others," Thomas said.

On April 29, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health took steps to dismiss Cole Elementary School students in Highland due to a probable case of Swine Flu. The school is scheduled to reopen May 4. Also, the county saw its first confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) on the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base.

"The action to dismiss students from Cole Elementary was very prudent, and health and district officials acted in the best interest of students and staff by making this decision," Thomas said. "Anything we can do to prevent the spread of the flu to children, employees and the broader community is first and foremost."

The County Schools office is holding a workshop today for school personnel to review its Pandemic Flu Prevention Plans. Thomas advises students, families and school staff to take the following normal precautions to prevent the flu and spread of the illness to others:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.

People who develop an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, should contact their health care provider. These medical professionals will decide if influenza testing is needed.

Information on flu prevention and the swine flu is available from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Web site at www.sbcss.k12.ca.us.