H1N1 preparation in Clovis Unified aims to keep students healthy and ready to learn

Listen to the healthy kids message sent to Clovis Unified families on Sept. 5, 2009.

Say No 2 Flu flyers include tips on staying healthy, and are available in:

English       Spanish       Hmong

Clovis Unified works closely with our local public health organizations to protect the well-being of our students and curb the spread of illness in our classrooms.  With the advent of H1N1, a new strain of influenza that does not yet have an available vaccine, our efforts have been reemphasized to protect the health of our students and staff.

Before the start of the school year, Clovis Unified staff were reminded of these simple steps that can prevent the spread of flu.  These steps have continued to be emphasized since that time, as they effective prevention methods for H1N1, seasonal flu, and many other contagious illnesses. Please remember that these steps can be used by everyone in your family to help keep our students healthy and ready to learn!

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.  Staff will educate students on the importance of covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  When a tissue is unavailable, using an elbow instead of a hand to cover sneezes or coughs is another important prevention measure.
• Remind students to practice good hand hygiene, and provide the time and supplies for them to wash their hands as often as necessary.
• Be a good role model.  Adults should always practice good hand hygiene and cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.
• Those who are sick should stay at home until at least 24-hours after they no longer have signs of a fever.  Students and staff with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• People experiencing severe flu symptoms, especially those who are at high risk for complications if they become ill with an influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

 In addition,

• Staff will keep an eye out for sick students and send them to the school health office for evaluation. 
• Clovis Unified will continue daily cleaning and sanitation of rest rooms, lockers, door handles, sinks, drinking fountains and other high contact areas.  In addition, each classroom and health office is equipped with disinfectant cleaning spray that can be used immediately should they believe an area of their classroom needs add
• School health offices have been provided surgical masks for use by anyone exhibiting severe symptoms to prevent coughing or sneezing on others.

Read more about the District's response to H1N1 here.

Clovis Unified will continue to remain in close contact with the Fresno County Health Department to remain prepared to protect the health of our students and staff through effective prevention measures. In addition, the District has a plan in place to respond should a widespread outbreak occur in our community.  If you have any questions about Clovis Unified’s preparedness for seasonal flu or H1N1, please contact the Nursing Services Office at 559-327-9466.

Centers for Disease Control H1N1 information page