H1N1 “Swine” Flu Hits One of T16’s Own

Posted by Mark Abell on September 7, 2009

Parents and Scouts,

Please be advised that one of T16’s scouts was diagnosed with H1N1 (or “Swine”) Flu shortly after last week’s troop meeting.  He is doing better now and will be returning to school tomorrow, but it is important that all scouts and parents be on the look-out.

Watch for symptoms in your own family, which include the following according for the Centers for Disease Control: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

If you discover that you have these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible, and follow these suggestions to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Contact Mr. Abell with questions or concerns.