Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Information

The October 15, 2009 Maine CDC H1N1 Update (click to download PDF)  provides current information about increased influenza activity in the state and region. It remains important for parents to monitor closely the health of their children and to report any concerns to their medical provider.

Update on Bangor School Department H1N1 Planning (October 2009)

• The Bangor School Department continues to work in conjunction with Patty Hamilton, the Public Health Director of Bangor, as well as with the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) on H1N1 planning.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is following CDC guidelines for school planning and communication.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is working with Public Health, CDC, and DOE on getting students vaccinated against the seasonal flu as well as H1N1. Once the vaccinations have been obtained, communication will be made with students and parents.
  
  
• Students, parents, and employees with flu-like symptoms must remain at home and away from school until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is in accordance with CDC guidelines.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is sending students and employees home if they exhibit flu-like symptoms.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is following CDC guidelines for routine environmental cleaning of our schools.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is providing education about and encouraging appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
  
  
• The Bangor School Department is working on continuing educational plans as well as staff coverage plans in the event of excessive absenteeism.
  
  

Reminders for Preventing the Spread of Viruses:

1. Teach children to wash their hands often with soap and water (or an alcohol based rub when soap and water are inaccessible). Schools often teach children to sing their ABC's while washing their hands.
   
   
2. Teach children not to share personal items like drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
   
   
3. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, the inside of the elbow, or a a sleeve when tissues are not available.
   
   
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches her or his eyes, nose or mouth.
   
   
5. Practice good health habits in other ways-- getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, eating nutritious food, and drinking plenty of fluids fortify your body against germs.
   
   
6. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also experience vomiting and / or diarrhea.
   
   
7. The CDC recommends that sick children and staff with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
   
   
   
8. Do not send children to school if they are sick. Any children who are determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.  Likewise, staff members who become ill should go home as well.
   
   
   

   In addition to adopting CDC recommendations for standard cleaning and sanitizing practices, Bangor schools have posted this reminder throughout buildings. Download Poster (PDF)

   
   

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   Link to General Information about H1N1 (FAQ Format)

   Link to State of Maine CDC Flu Information Page

H1N1 Immunization Information

The Bangor School Department will continue to monitor the development and recommendations of the Maine CDC regarding immunization for the H1N1 virus.  The most recent information regarding H1N1 vaccination according the Maine CDC can be found at www.maineflu.gov