|
H1N1 at Beecher Schools  Share
Two Beecher school students who ride the blue and red buses have confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus. This information was communicated to families last Friday evening by Superintendent of Schools George Obradovich through the AlertNow system. In this same message, Obradovich encouraged any student with flu-like symptoms to see a physician immediately. Parents were asked to inform the school district if their child tests positive for the H1N1 virus. Obradovich reassured families that the schools will be ''thoroughly cleaned'' so as to prevent the spread of the disease. The threat of the H1N1 virus is no surprise to the district. In fact, when school started last August, Obradovich issued a letter encouraging students within the Beecher school district to consider vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza viruses. He said, ''Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect your children, and their classmates, from these potentially serious diseases.'' Obradovich conveyed the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises children from six months through 18 years of age to receive the H1N1 vaccine because of the close proximity children have with other children while in school. The problem is that according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, ''as of October 9, 2009, a very limited quantity of H1N1 flu vaccine has arrived in Illinois,'' and this supply has been allocated for health care workers and emergency medical services personnel.
Later in October, Illinois expects to obtain its share of the first 39 million doses of H1N1 vaccine for immunization of priority groups which include children ages 5-18 years. However, these kids must have chronic medical conditions. Although at this time, not all students are eligible to receive the swine flu vaccine, they can practice good health habits such as washing their hands, sneezing and coughing into a tissue, and acquiring enough sleep to keep their immune systems in top shape. Illinois expects to receive additional shipments of the H1N1 vaccine each week until it is available to anyone who wants to be protected. When the vaccine becomes available to all, information about where to receive the vaccine will be posted at www.flu.gov. Dawn Wolf is a reporter for Russell Publications.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
