(Community Matters) Jump from Swine Flu II
AISD Superintendent Forgoine’s email
Dear Friend of Austin ISD,
The health and well being of our Austin ISD students and staff is first and foremost. We recognize that there has been substantial media attention directed at the North American H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu) in Texas and so we want to take this opportunity to update you regarding the Austin school district response to the present situation.
AISD staff has learned of a probable case of North American flu associated with a child attending Lucy Read Pre-Kindergarten Demonstration School located at 2608 Richcreek Road. As a result, the District, in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management and in accordance with – and at the recommendation of – Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services, will close the campus until classes resume on Monday, May 11. The parents of Lucy Read students have been directed to keep only their Lucy Read children at home until that date.
At this time, this is the only AISD campus that has been closed. All other schools are open, and students should attend classes as scheduled.
Information on any school closings will be updated on the AISD website and Channel 22, and in other media.
Please keep in mind, that due to the heightened awareness of influenza and flu-like symptoms, a number of flu Type A positive cases (which have not been confirmed as swine flu) have been reported in Austin/Travis County. We are closely following these cases and are continuing to monitor for the development of this flu in Central Texas.
Notwithstanding, per recommendations from the Austin / Travis County Health Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services, those individuals with fever and flu-like symptoms and/or those testing positive for influenza Type A are asked to remain at home until their fever and symptoms have resolved, as is recommended for all people suffering from the flu.
The potential identification of influenza Type A and North American flu in Austin continues to be a developing situation. We will continue to monitor it. We will issue further updates and make additional recommendations regarding appropriate precautions for Austin ISD students and staff as new information becomes available.
We continue to recommend the following precautionary measures to avoid exposure to and development of viral illnesses including the influenza virus:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Call the school if your children become ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider or your school nurse.
- Fever may be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) do not use aspirin.
Community Matters 