The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control on Aug. 7, 2009 released updated guidance to schools and parents regarding the prevention of the spread of influenza and 2009 H1N1. The guidance can be found at www.flu.gov.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is the lead state agency in dispensing information and guidance crucial to the flu mitigation effort in Oklahoma.

The current guidance for schools includes:

1. Students and employees staying home when sick. Those with flu-like symptoms and a fever equal to or greater than 100 degrees should stay home at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever.
2. Immediately separating ill students and staff until they can leave school.
3. Routinely cleaning areas that students and staff touch often. The CDC indicates it is NOT necessary to clean with bleach and other non-detergent based cleaners.
4. Stressing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to students and staff. Wash hands frequently with soap and water; cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or into a shirtsleeve or elbow if no tissue is available.
5. Reminding students not to share anything that could facilitate transmission, i.e. make-up, drinks, school supplies, etc.
6. Increasing the distance between people at schools to the extent possible.
7. Being aware of people who are more at-risk of 2009 H1N1 complications, including those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems or have neuromuscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy or Down’s Syndrome. Those at high risk should consult their doctor if an outbreak occurs and follow his or her advice about whether to stay home until the outbreak subsides.
8. Temporary closures of schools are local decisions that will not be necessary in most circumstances. In Oklahoma, should a school site experience an outbreak of influenza or 2009 H1N1 this fall, county health officials will closely monitor the site. Should their surveillance lead them to the conclusion mitigation strategies will not be effective in curbing the outbreak and the outbreak will continue to escalate, they may recommend temporary closure of a school.

Strategies for preventing H1N1 flu, its symptoms, and up-to-date information on the public health emergency, including information sheets to be distributed to parents and schools in English and Spanish, are available at the State Department of Health's Web site.

Consistent and accurate information is key. So schools are strongly encouraged to use materials provided through the State Department of Health and heed any guidance received from their county health departments.