Schools: Prepare now for fall flu outbreak 

School districts and county offices of education should begin preparing now to combat seasonal flu outbreaks that are likely to occur in the fall, according to health experts.

“The bottom line,” said Joan Edelstein, CSBA senior health consultant, “is that school leaders have got to work over the next three months to really prepare for the fall. Schools are a pivotal place for flu transmission.”

Edelstein added that only one flu vaccine can be produced, and that the World Health Organization will soon determine whether to create a vaccine to combat the H1N1 influenza, also called swine flu, or another flu virus strain.

“We need to prepare for seasonal flu, which spreads through schools—primarily preschool and elementary schools—and establish disaster preparedness plans, which should include pandemic preparedness and educating students about good hygiene,” said Edelstein.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have a wake-up call as to what an impact influenza can have, not only on schools, students and staff attendance—and ultimately, achievement—and health, but also how it impacts the health and well-being of the entire community,” Edelstein said.

She urged districts and county offices to work to collaborate and form partnerships with community, business and volunteer organizations to prepare for situations such as school closures and their repercussions.

“If there is a school dismissal, what do businesses do when parents have to stay at home with children?” Edelstein asked. “If a school closes, what happens to staff?”

CSBA sponsored a complimentary Webinar on May 21 that identified the role districts and county offices need to play to minimize and contain flu outbreaks in the flu season coming this fall.

Strategies include:

• ensuring time in school for staff and peer educators to teach and practice good hygiene, such as covering mouths when sneezing or coughing, washing hands frequently, or using antibacterial hand sanitizers and minimizing contact with others
• ensuring availability of supplies such as soap, paper towels and tissues
• working closely with school nurses
• reviewing and being prepared to implement a disaster preparedness plan
• establishing school-based flu shot clinics

“If the flu does come back in the fall with a vengeance … there could be potential long-term closures. How do schools prepare for continuity of instruction while practicing social distancing?” Edelstein asked. “They need to be leaders and engage the community in prevention measures such as flu shot clinics and lots of media and encouragement to reach 90 percent immunization, as well as teaching good hygiene to help protect not only the students but the entire community.”

Related link:

Learn more and access additional resources @ www.csba.org/EducationIssues/EducationIssues/SwineFlu.aspx