April 30, 2009

Dear Chinook Families,

The swine flu has become a recent focus in the news. The Bellevue School District and Chinook Middle School work closely with the Seattle King County Health Department, the Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Education to determine the best action for schools to take.  Although there have been six possible cases of Swine Influenza reported in Washington State, our current focus at this time is on on-going prevention guidelines.

Disease prevention practices are emphasized daily through hand washing and providing hand sanitizer in classrooms and around the school (Chinook is currently trying to replenish its supply of hand sanitizer. We regularly check soap dispensers to ensure that soap is available for frequent hand washing. We are keeping our classrooms stocked with tissue so that students can sneeze into a tissue and immediately discard it in the trash receptacle); and reminding students of respiratory etiquette (coughing into sleeve).  Additionally, surface tops (desks, counters, door handles, etc.) are cleaned regularly with approved disinfectant.

Swine flu in people is characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.  The illness may last up to 7 days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist.  If you or your child have mild flu like symptoms, monitor your condition and telephone your health care provider to consult if necessary.  A Swine flu diagnosis is confirmed by a positive nasal swab culture.

What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of Illness and the Swine Flu:

• Practice healthful habits such as eating nutritious food, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids, being physically active, and reducing stress.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve.  Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you or your child are sick with a fever of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, blistery rash, heavy nasal congestion, or frequent cough then stay home and, if necessary, seek medical attention.

Resources you can use to learn more include:

• King County Health Department,www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu or 206-296-4949
• Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov
• Office of the Superintendent of Public Education, www.k12.wa.us/HealthServices/swineflu.aspx
• Bellevue School District website, www.bsd405.org
• http://twitter.com/CDCemergency

Thank you for all you do to support Chinook’s students.  We realize the recent news about the Swine flu raises concern about your child and your family’s health and well being.  When we all work together to help keep our children healthy, practice preventative measures, and stay home when we are unwell, everyone benefits from our diligence.

Sincerely,

Maria Frieboes-Gee
Principal