Today has been our third day in a row of a “typical” number of absences due to illness. The number of students out sick this week has been in the lower 20s each day.
I don't believe all of the sickness is behind us - it's only October. However, I am very pleased with the efforts of our parents, staff, and students to use good habits to stay healthy and protect others from getting sick. Keeping sick kids (and adults) home until they were fully recovered really helped last week. Keep up the good work and hopefully we can avoid any more spikes in our number of absences! Thanks!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
School Absence Update
Thanks to Mrs. Marcum for providing us with the following update:
Our absence rates have increased at Prairieland similar to many other area schools. Parents are reporting many cases of doctor-confirmed influenza A (of which H1N1 is one type) and general “influenza-like-illness”. The experts at Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov ) estimate that most Influenza-A viruses in the United States right now are 2009 H1N1 flu because it is too early for seasonal flu. The only confirmed cases, though, are for people who are ill enough to be hospitalized; the test is sent to Chicago or Springfield for confirmation and takes 1-3 days to get back.
What does all this mean for us? We will continue to monitor the absences and our district administrators are working closely with the McLean County Health Department to determine the best course of action. Let’s all work together to continue to:
• Wash our hands frequently, cough/sneeze into our sleeve, and stay home when we are sick
• Clean high-use areas like drinking fountains, desks, doorknobs, etc.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available (call your doctor or check this website for community clinics: www.mcleancountyil.gov )
The good news is that the 2009 H1N1 flu continues to be mild. Some people will have it and not even know it! Most will have symptoms for a week or so and recover without problem. If you or your child has a higher risk of serious disease from the flu, you should contact your doctor if symptoms begin.
And as always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Susy Marcum RN, BSN
Our absence rates have increased at Prairieland similar to many other area schools. Parents are reporting many cases of doctor-confirmed influenza A (of which H1N1 is one type) and general “influenza-like-illness”. The experts at Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov ) estimate that most Influenza-A viruses in the United States right now are 2009 H1N1 flu because it is too early for seasonal flu. The only confirmed cases, though, are for people who are ill enough to be hospitalized; the test is sent to Chicago or Springfield for confirmation and takes 1-3 days to get back.
What does all this mean for us? We will continue to monitor the absences and our district administrators are working closely with the McLean County Health Department to determine the best course of action. Let’s all work together to continue to:
• Wash our hands frequently, cough/sneeze into our sleeve, and stay home when we are sick
• Clean high-use areas like drinking fountains, desks, doorknobs, etc.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available (call your doctor or check this website for community clinics: www.mcleancountyil.gov )
The good news is that the 2009 H1N1 flu continues to be mild. Some people will have it and not even know it! Most will have symptoms for a week or so and recover without problem. If you or your child has a higher risk of serious disease from the flu, you should contact your doctor if symptoms begin.
And as always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Susy Marcum RN, BSN
Monday, October 19, 2009
Canceling after school activities for students this week
Prairieland Parents,
Due to the high number of students out sick today, we are cancelling the following after-school activities this week:
Monday – Cougar Council
Tuesday - Chess Club and 5th grade Cougar Chorus
Wednesday – Garden Club and 4th grade Cougar Chorus
It is our hope that by limiting the amount of time kids are in close physical contact after school, we will be able to minimize the spread of germs. Probably better for the healthy kids to be outside getting fresh air after school anyway.
Due to the high number of students out sick today, we are cancelling the following after-school activities this week:
Monday – Cougar Council
Tuesday - Chess Club and 5th grade Cougar Chorus
Wednesday – Garden Club and 4th grade Cougar Chorus
It is our hope that by limiting the amount of time kids are in close physical contact after school, we will be able to minimize the spread of germs. Probably better for the healthy kids to be outside getting fresh air after school anyway.
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