There is a lot of talk in the media right now about the H1N1 flu. Because of large numbers of absences Jefferson R-VII school district made the decision to close and we are hearing about school closures in other parts of the country as well. The best way to think about these closures is like a "snow day." When a school closes due to the snow, it is as a precaution so that students and their parents aren’t on the road when conditions are not favorable. Closing due to a large number of flu absences gives a school the chance to clean their facilities and the sick students get a chance to get healthy.
Just like we prepare for a blizzard we should make sure we have extra supplies at home if we need to stay home and care for a sick family member. You should have a two-week supply of food and water, supplies like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, thermometer, hand soap and hand sanitizer. One other thing that is really important is that if you have children, to make sure you have a plan if their school is closed or they stay home sick. Make sure you have someone who can care for child, whether means you are taking time off of work or if you have a friend or family member who can care for your child.
If a member of your family gets ill with flu-like symptoms, it is important to keep them in a separate from the rest of the family and out of common areas of the house as much as possible. People who have been ill should stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone down without fever reducing medication. The sick person should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Also, you should contact a healthcare provider about the best course of treatment, which may include antiviral medication.
It’s important if someone is severely ill and is pregnant, has trouble breathing or has an underlying condition like heart disease, lung disease (such as asthma) or diabetes, it is important to seek prompt medical treatment within the first 48 hours since symptoms develop.
The most important thing to remember this flu season is to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home when you’re sick.
Elena Sabin is the community disaster education specialist for the St. Louis Area Chapter.