Links and Other Resources

H1N1 flu (Swine Flu)

Background Information

Planning Resources for Schools

Planning Resources for Families

General Pandemic Influenza Information

Related CHKRC Resources

Downloadable Health Flyers & Posters

H1N1 flu (Swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with H1N1 flu were identified within the United States and other countries. Novel influenza A virus infections in humans, such as H1N1 flu represent a pandemic threat.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. H1N1 flu is thought to be spreading in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces.

As there is no vaccine currently available to protect against H1N1 flu, taking precautions to prevent the spread of germs is essential to protect your health. These precautions include:

• 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 are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

(Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control H1N1 flu and Interim Guidance Web pages.)

If your school or district decides to close, notify the Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools (OSDFS) by e-mail to osdfs.safeschl@ed.gov in addition to your local public health authority.

Fall prepartation recommendations issued by the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services. (PDF file)

American School Health Association – An interactive, online training course to help administrators prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks that might affect schools.

California Department of Education – H1N1 flu Press Release

Centers for Disease Control – Interim Guidance for School Dismissal and Childcare Facility Closures

US Department of Education – Additional Flu Resources for School Leaders Seeking Guidance

Pandemic Influenza Planning Resources for Schools

Pandemic Influenza Planning Resources for Families

Governor Schwarzenegger's Proclamation to Confront H1N1 flu Outbreak (PDF file)

Centers for Disease Control – Offers background and up-to-date statistical information related to H1N1 flu

US government – Offers federal information related to pandemic and H1N1 flu

World Health Organization – Offers general information and relevant resource links for H1N1 flu

The resources below are available for free loan from the CHKRC. Click on title links to get more information on titles of interest and to add materials to your loan list if you order online. You may also order by phone, fax, or mail

Instructional Resources on Hygiene

• Clean Kids #4183 (VHS)

• Healthy Start: Preschool Health Education #1085

• Preventing Communicable Diseases: Colds, Flu, AIDS and STDs (Without Condom) #6154 (VHS)

• The Sneeze: How Germs Are Spread #7349 (DVD)

• What’s a Hygiene? #4186 (VHS)
  
  

Professional Resources on Hygiene and Universal Precautions

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Real, Real Life for Schools #3338 (DVD)

• Handwashing for Life—The Why, The When, The How #5698 (VHS)

• Health, Mental Health, and Safety Guidelines for Schools #5419

• Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools #5420
  
  

• CDC Influenza information

• Printable flyer Cover Your Cough English: (PDF file)

• Printable flyer Cover Your Cough Spanish (PDF file)