The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has caused illness ranging from mild to severe. Many children have gotten the 2009 H1N1 infection and there have been large outbreaks in some schools across the country.
The Cincinnati Public School District is continually monitoring local and national information about H1N1, and working closely with the Cincinnati Health Department to ensure that we are prepared for and can respond to any situation that arises.
Vaccination is the best protection from this potentially serious disease. This vaccine is different from the seasonal flu vaccine.
CPS is working with the Cincinnati Health Department to distribute the vaccine to students, as well as eligible adults. The vaccination is free.
During the first round of the vaccine's availability, the following people are eligible for the vaccine:
A consent form must be completed to receive the vaccine; a separate form is required for each person being vaccinated. Forms should be returned to the school your child attends by Wednesday, October 7, 2009.
Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of this flu. H1N1 is thought to spread in the same way as the seasonal flu (mainly person to person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people). Some people may become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
If you are sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes diarrhea), the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick.
Here are some suggestions to help your family stay healthy:
Two great resources for information are: