Health Concerns

I know there are some concerns about the new influenza strain. I want to share with you what the school is doing to protect our children and our staff from being infected as well as suggestions on how to keep healthy:

• High touch areas in school will be disinfected daily – desks, doorknobs, etc.

• We are receiving regular updates from the Salt Lake Valley Health Department as well as from the District Office. Parents will be notified immediately if there is a concern that may affect students/staff at Southland. The District Web site will have up-to-date information.

• Salt Lake Valley Health Dept has issued the following information:
- As of today, 4/30/09 there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Utah. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department is carefully monitoring all reported concerns.
- Flu viruses are spread mostly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- Persons may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.
- Symptoms of flu-like illness are:
• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• headache
• chills
• severe body aches
• fatigue
• and possibly vomiting and diarrhea.

- Following the simple steps below will prevent influenza related illness:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and thrown the tissue away when finished.
• Wash hands often with sop and water and especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol hand cleaner if water is not immediately available.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs are spread this way.
• Keep surfaces (tables, doorknobs, telephones, etc. ) clean by wiping them frequently with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

- If you are sick limit your contact with other people as much as possible.
- Do NOT go to work or school if ill.
- Contact your medical provider for recommendations and possible treatment.