News

Influenza - Updates

News Release

November 20, 2009

Although it is way too early to make any predictions, it appears that the H1N1 virus may have reached it’s peak.  The incidence of H1N1 illness is starting to decrease in schools around the state. It is hard to know exactly what the virus may do - so everyone needs to continue with good hygiene practices: washing hands, staying home when ill; covering coughs etc. Getting the H1N1 vaccine is still the most effective way to prevent disease.

Many immunization clinics are now administering the vaccine to children – so please consider getting your child vaccinated if you have not already done so. The current target population is children age 4 – 9. The age range will be expanded as more vaccine becomes available. All children with underlying health conditions should receive the vaccination - please consult your health care provider. Children under the age of 10 require two doses (28 days apart).

In addition - the regular flu season is now starting. Schools may begin to see a rise in influenza-like-illness and it will now be hard to determine if a child has H1N1 or the seasonal flu. Children and adults should receive the seasonal flu vaccine in addition to the H1N1 vaccine.

The staff at the Academies have done a great job good encouraging good hand washing etc, and I believe that our students are much healthier because of the measures that have been implemented in the school and dormitories.  

October 27, 2009

According to the Minnesota Department of Health - they  are seeing widespread infection due to H1N1 virus across the state. They continue to urge people to help stop the spread of this virus by staying home when they are sick and covering their coughs and washing their hands and by getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best protection against the virus. While the vaccine for H1N1 is not yet available for the general public, it is being provided to health care workers and some of the very highest risk pediatric patients and pregnant women. Priority groups will then include the remaining children and adults under 25 years, and those under 65 who have certain medical conditions; and following these groups anyone else who wishes vaccination. Vaccine shipments are expected to continue over the coming months. All parents are encouraged to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. The Academies have had several possible cases of influenza and we are likley to see the number of cases increase as the virus circulates around the state.

---

October 21, 2009

Minnesota FluLine to offer support and treatment options for people with possible symptoms of influenza
Minnesotans with flu symptoms can call toll-free line at 1-866-259-4655

A new phone-based service is now available for Minnesotans who think they may have the flu.

Beginning today, people with possible flu symptoms can call the Minnesota FluLine (MN FluLine) at 1-866-259-4655 (voice) for information and treatment options. Professionals will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no charge for the call.

Callers with flu symptoms will be connected with a participating nurse at MN FluLine, or a nurse at a triage line operated by their own provider network or health plan. The nurses will evaluate the health concerns of callers and discuss treatment options, using consistent criteria to determine which treatment option is most appropriate for each individual.

Possible treatment options can include rest and fluids at home, a prescription for an antiviral medication, or medical evaluation in a clinic or hospital.

FluLine was developed in response to the first global influenza pandemic in over 40 years. Officials are concerned that the pandemic could overwhelm the health care system, and they believe that FluLine can reduce some of the demands on the system.
FluLine is also expected to help decrease the spread of the flu. By providing assistance over the phone, the new service is expected to limit the number of potentially infectious people who gather in emergency rooms, urgent care centers and clinics.

---

September 18, 2009
News Release

Officials update guidelines for handling flu-like illness in child care settings and pre-school programs
More protective measures recommended for children under five years of age

Minnesota Department of Health is recommending that parents keep children under five at home until seven days after the symptoms first appeared or 24 hours after a child's symptoms go away, whichever is longer.

This updated guideline also applies to children with special health needs who are at risk for more severe illness or complications due to influenza. This includes children with asthma, diabetes, neurological problems, metabolic disorders, obesity and other health conditions.

---

MSA Influenza News
Updated: 09/17/2009 by Jill Kes RN. LSN – MSA Health Services Director

H1N1 novel influenza continues to circulate in Minnesota. It is currently widespread throughout the state. The symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza have included fever, cough, and sore throat; some individuals have also experienced headache, muscle aches, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. As you may know, flu can be spread easily from person to person –therefore - we need your help to decrease the spread of illnes. Standard prevention recommendations include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• If tissues are available - sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw the tissue directly in the trash. THEN WASH YOUR HANDS!
• Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly – with soap and water (for 20 seconds) or an alcohol-based hand rub solution.
• Clean your hands after shaking hands or having other close contact with other people – before eating or preparing food, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Limit your contact with others who may be ill.
• Keep the environment clean – disinfect frequently touched items such as door knobs, tables, keyboards etc. daily and as needed.
• Talk with your health care provider about whether you or your family members should be vaccinated for seasonal flu.
• If you or anyone in your family has a medical condition (such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, neurological problems, obesity, asthma, pregnancy, etc.) which can increase the complications of influenza – talk with your health care provider now about what to do if you become ill or if you have a known exposure to influenza. Also young children especially under the age of 2 are at increased risk of severe flu and complications.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.  
• A vaccine for H1N1 is currently being worked on. Children, pregnant women, health care workers, and persons with underlying health conditions will be the priority groups to receive the vaccination once it becomes available (hopefully mid-October).

If you or your child becomes ill:

• Stay home from work or school – and generally avoid going out in public. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. (Please note: these recommendations are subject to change)
• To the extent possible, avoid all face-to-face contact with other people, maintain a 3-6 foot social distance and cover your coughs and sneezes. 
• Make sure to drink enough fluids
• If you or your child develops possible flu symptoms and you want to consult your health care provider, call before going in for an office visit. You may not need to go in, and if you do need to be seen, a time should be set up when you will not risk exposing others to influenza in the waiting room.
• People at risk for severe flu or flu complications should contact their health care provider if they have flu symptoms or have been exposed to people with flu symptoms (if they have not previously made a plan with their provider).

*Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be given to children with ILI because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

As a special precaution and for the safety of all students – if a student develops a fever of 100 degrees or greater along with a cough or sore throat while attending The Minnesota State Academies – parents/guardians will be asked to come pick up their child as soon as possible. The student will remain in the health clinic until they go home and will not be allowed to participate in school/dorm activities. It is very important that each family has a transportation plan in place in case they need to come for their child.
If this year’s flu season becomes more severe, we may take the following additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Allow students, faculty, and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home.  These students, faculty, and staff should make this decision in consultation with their health care provider.
• Find ways to increase social distances (the space between people) in classrooms such as moving desks farther apart, leaving empty seats between students, holding outdoor classes, and using distance learning methods.
• Extend the time sick students, faculty, or staff stay home or in their residence. During severe flu conditions sick people should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better sooner. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Suspend classes.  This decision will be made together withlocal and state public health officials. The length of time classes should be suspended will depend on the goal of suspending classes as well as the severity and extent of illness.

For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636). More information on influenza in ASL, visit: http://www.deafmd.org/pub/Swine-Flu-Influenza-A-H1N1/Public-Service-Announcement

We are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and our local health department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our facility. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

Parents with questions can contact their local public health agency or the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 or toll-free at 1-877-676-5414. You may also contact: Jill Kes at 507-384-6611 or e-mail: