H1N1 Influenza Information

A message to Plano ISD families

The safety and well-being of our students are of the utmost importance to us.

What is H1N1 flu?

As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What is Plano ISD doing?

• Since May 1, all Plano ISD school buses have been thoroughly sanitized each day. The process will continue daily until local health agencies and district leaders convey that the practice is no longer prudent.
• Plano ISD is referencing the materials presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the official site for information regarding H1N1 virus. This site is updated frequently throughout the day.
• Collaborating and communicating with the local health department and city officials.
• Monitoring this situation campus by campus with the cooperation of school nurses and principals.
• Using proper hand hygiene and instant hand sanitizer.
• Providing education about respiratory hygiene which includes coughing and sneezing into one’s sleeve or tissue.
• Exercising proper and standard cleaning with approved agents.
• Following guidelines for exclusion regarding communicable diseases which can be found in the student/parent policy guide.

What can you do?

• It is the responsibility of everyone to help contain this virus by staying home if you or your child is exhibiting signs of this virus.
• Please notify the school nurse of  positive test results.
• Contact your health care provider as there are medications that are useful in shortening the illness and duration of the virus if given in the early stages of the illness.
• Avoid close contact with others if you are exhibiting signs of the virus.
• Encourage good health practices.

Our goal is to keep the students of Plano ISD healthy and safe. If you have any questions please reference the CDC, your personal health care provider and the school nurse. We will keep you updated on any changes involving the students of Plano ISD.