Biddeford High School

20 Maplewood Ave

Biddeford, Main e04005

207-282-1596

November 10, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians: 

This letter is to inform  you that our community is experiencing an increase in influenza-like illness consistent with novel influenza virus (H1N1).  We would like to inform you of current recommendations for decreasing the spread of influenza.

Our focus is on prevention of influenza among school students, staff  and families.  We encourage all families and staff to take these steps to stay healthy.

.     Stay home if you are ill and keep your child home if he/she is ill.

.     Cough and sneeze into your elbow, or into a tissue.  Throw this tissue away.

.    Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, but especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based   hand  gels can also be used.

.    Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.  Germs can be spread by touching contaminated surfaces.

.     Avoid contact with ill persons.

.    Get vaccinated with both seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccines.

.     Also, be aware of steps we can also take to identify early ill students and staff:

.     A person who develops a fever of 100 degrees or above with either cough or sore throat, should remain at home.

.     A person with these symptoms shoudl remain at home until he/she is fever free for a full 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the school, your health care provider, or the Maine CDC at www.mainepublichealth.gov or 1-800-821-5821.

Resourrces on influenza for parents are also available at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1/parents.

Thank You,

Hennifer DiMauro, RN

Biddeford High School Nurse