Greenville County Schools
Viral Diseases Including Swine Flu
Greenville County Schools is well prepared for any viral outbreak, including the swine flu. Each school has a comprehensive health and safety plan, which includes daily disinfection of restrooms, health rooms, water coolers, desks and doorknobs. We work closely with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and follow DHEC’s guidelines for all diseases.
Each Greenville County public school has a school nurse who assesses students with flu-like symptoms. Any student with a fever of 100 degrees or higher is sent home. School nurses and teachers always emphasize the importance of good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and cough techniques to reduce the spread of viruses.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. The Center for Disease Control has determined that the current swine influenza virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads.
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. More severe symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
The Center for Disease Control’s research has shown that antiviral medications are effective against the new flu strain.
What Should Parents Do and Know?
To fight the spread of the flu virus, your child should:
· Stay home if sick.
· Wash hands thoroughly and often.
· Cover cough with sleeve.
· Stay away from people who are sick.
· Do not share eating utensils, food, or drinks.
· Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
If your child complains that he doesn’t feel well, please check his temperature before sending him to school. Do not send your child to school if he has a fever.
Your child should not return to school until he has been fever-free without the help of Tylenol or another product for 24 hours, has not vomited for 24 hours, and has not had diarrhea for 24 hours.
If your child starts to have symptoms of the flu, call your healthcare provider or your local health department for guidance.
Make sure that your child’s school has your current telephone numbers.
For additional information, visit the SC DHEC website at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm.
