If schools stay open, won the swine flu just keep going around in schools?
School closures are the decision of the superintendent. The Health Department can consult with schools, but ultimately, the decision to close is theirs. That said, closure is a big step and can create problems for families, such as arranging for child care. So first, schools are encouraged to take proactive steps to limit the spread of flu, such as: • Making sure that ill children/staff are kept home until 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines • Children/staff who become ill during the school day are separated from others until they can be sent home • Children/staff are encouraged to wash their hands and cover their coughs • Schools should clean common areas, particularly door handles, etc. • Students/staff receive a vaccine when it’s available to them These measures can go a long way in limiting the spread of the flu–and other illnesses. Are schools required to alert parents if there is a confirmed case of swine flu in a school? The decision t
