As the new school year approaches, Chicago Public Schools is reminding parents to stay observant about symptoms of the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu.
As the new school year approaches, Chicago Public Schools is reminding parents to stay observant about symptoms of the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu. Just as parents tell their children to frequently wash their hands, cover their mouths when they cough and their nose when they sneeze to keep from spreading germs from the common cold or regular flu, they should give those same instructions about the swine flu virus, and what to look out for if they suspect swine flu is a factor, said a spokesperson for CPS. “The unexpected virus has given the schools and families a lesson in preparedness and we will continue to monitor any unusual absences or illnesses. School faculty will continue with the same awareness protocols, but families are urged to continue to be observant in identifying the same symptoms that were identified earlier when the virus erupted. Fever, cough, any flu-like symptoms,” said Monique Bond, spokesperson for CPS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 spreads primarily among people 5 to 24 years of age –– predominantly school-aged –– because of their constant interaction with each other. A large outbreak of the virus was first reported in Mexico in March. Weeks later it spread to the United States. Illinois calculated nearly 2,000 confirmed or probable cases of swine flu since it was first reported in the United States in April. About half of those cases were in Cook County. There have been at least a dozen deaths in the state related to the virus, according to the Illinois Dept. of Public Health. The first day of school for most of CPS students is Sept. 8. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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