PLANNING

The following is a list of important actions schools should take in preparation for the 2009-2010 influenza season.  H1N1 was first detected in humans in April 2009 resulting from the first wave of a pandemic.  In June 2009, the World Health Organization upgraded to the Pandemic Phase 6.  As the influenza season begins in October 2009, the second wave of H1N1 can be expected.  Several cycles or waves may occur during the pandemic, so this list of actions for schools may need to be repeated.

·    Create and/or update a pandemic flue response plan.

·  Work with local health and emergency preparedness officials. They may want to use the schools as a way to disseminate information to families. 

·   Ensure that standard surveillance/disease recognition procedures are in place and implemented.  This includes on-going surveillance activities currently in place along with the procedures for dealing with an increase in surveillance activities.  (See surveillance section)

· Train nurses and staff in flu-symptom recognition and the current case definition for H1N1.  (See surveillance section)

· Educate staff, students and parents about: the H1N1 influenza virus; differences between seasonal flu and H1N1; best hygienic practices to prevent any sort of flu; what could occur in a pandemic.

· Improve the hygiene of students and staff. Ensure each classroom has either soap and running water for handwashing or an alcohol-based handwashing product.  Also use simple non-medical ways to reduce the spread of flu by "cough and sneeze etiquette," clean hands, and clean work areas.

· Develop a plan to deal with essential school operations with 30%-40% of the work force absent due to illness.  Consider staggered school start times, changes in bus schedules, and telecommunicating.

· Develop and/or refine procedures for communicating with staff, students, families, the media, and the Health Department during a pandemic.