Q & A on the issues

What you should know about swine flu

May 7, 2009 12:45 PM

What is swine flu?

Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory infection caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu but human infections can occur.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Swine flu can vary in severity from mild to severe.

How can I protect myself from swine influenza?

Here are the best ways to avoid getting or spreading swine influenza:

• Encourage all people to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

These are the same protections as those for seasonal flu and many other respiratory infections.

What should I do in my school?

The UFT recommends that the following protocols are in place at your school:

1. If students or staff have flu symptoms (a fever more than 100.5 degrees, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath and runny nose, aches, pain, vomiting or diarrhea) they should stay home and be seen by their health care provider. Keep any documentation you receive from your provider.
2. Keep a record of all staff and students at school who have flu symptoms and follow the isolation protocol. Students should remain in the medical room or waiting area that is not heavily trafficked. They should not go back to class or to the general office. Anyone with a fever should be sent home whether or not there are respiratory symptoms.
3. Keep a record of all daily absences among staff and students.
4. Call absentees to inquire about flu symptoms — a fever greater than 100.5 degrees, coughing, runny nose, aches and pain, diarrhea for tracking purposes.
5. The school should check for links/contacts with confirmed cases of flu/swine flu.
6. Make sure there is the appropriate protective gear in the school including N95 respirators and disposable gloves. The nurse and staff or students with flu symptoms should wear respirators.
7. Make sure hard surfaces that may be contaminated are disinfected.