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The H1N1 virus is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a new strain of influenza. It was declared a pandemic in June of this year.
It is thought to spread mainly through person-to-person contact or through sneezing by the infected person.
Sharon Long, preparedness coordinator and public information officer for the Northampton County Health Department, held a briefing on Tuesday about the H1N1 virus.
The county is expecting a shipment of the vaccine but doesn’t know when it will be delivered. Long said those who will get priority for the H1N1 vaccination are:
• Pregnant women.
• People who live with or care for children younger than six months.
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel.
• People between 6 months and 24-years old.
• Adults ages 25 through 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
“We are trying to treat it as a type of flu,” she said.
A few months ago, Northampton County had one reported case in an adult.
Northampton County Schools has done a number of things, said Jeanie Davis, who is the lead nurse for the school system. The district’s preventative measures include putting posters in the staff and student restrooms and information on the school system’s Web site.
“We have always promoted good hand washing,” she said.
Overall, she feels like the school system is in good shape. In the next two weeks, flyers will be sent home with students for their parents.
Weldon City Schools has prepared literature for parents, teachers and administrators. Executive director of Human Resources David Jones said nurses within the school system are on the lookout for symptoms. “The biggest recommendation is to stay home if you are sick,” Jones said. “We are going to be preparing everyone on what to look out for.”
The emphasis has always been on good hygiene but the school system is being more proactive. “We are going to push that a little more,” he said.
In the elementary schools, the numbers of sanitizer dispensers and other hygiene things have been increased. Jones noted they have not increased items in the middle schools or high schools but could in the future. Being in a school, he said, if a child comes to school sick and it spreads, “the possibilities are enormous.”
“We want to be prepared but proactive as well,” he said.
Some of the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus include fever, sore throat, chills, body aches, fatigue, vomiting, headache, cough, runny nose or stuffy nose and diarrhea.
Lucy Austin, lead nurse for Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools District, said a phone alert was sent out making families aware of what could be done to stay healthy.
Information sheets are being sent home with kindergarten through eighth grade students. High school students will watch a video showing the importance of handwashing. “We are trying to educate parents as much as we can to be on the lookout for the virus,” Austin said.
Proper handwashing is stressed to students. They are taught to sing the ABC song while washing their hands to indicate how they should be scrubbing their hands.
The school site, www.rrgsd.org, has a link to The Center for Disease Control information.
Sarah Davis, school nurse at Belmont Elementary School, said any student with a fever (100.4 degrees), is being sent home and checked when they return to school.
The maintenance department has implemented in each school the use of a cleaning product used in hospitals to protect against the H1N1 virus. This cleaner is non-toxic for humans but is 100 times more effective than bleach in disinfecting and kills pathogens such as salmonella.
Sharon Arquilla, a registered nurse and coordinator of the respiratory protection program at the Halifax County Health Department, stressed the importance of frequent hand washing. “We’re waiting to see and hoping for the best,” she said.
In the spring, the health department had a phone line set up dispensing information. Arquilla said things have been quiet during the summer. Halifax County hasn’t had a confirmed case of H1N1.
She said the difference between the flu and a cold is the “sudden onset of symptoms.”
“With a cold, you slowly get worst,” she said.
Arquilla said people should follow The Center for Disease Control recommendations. They are:
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue.
• Frequently washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are effective.
• Not touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you are sick, see a doctor, limit contact with others and stay home from work or school.
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