GCS Stresses Prevention for Swine Influenza

The district is working closely with the health department

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 4/27/2009 5:16:41 PM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is working closely with the Guilford County Department of Public Health to monitor Swine Influenza locally and nationally.

To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 60 cases of Swine Influenza in the United States. No cases of Swine Influenza have been identified in North Carolina or Guilford County.

Right now, there is no cause for alarm, but the district is stressing the importance of prevention. “We are asking all school nurses to monitor the situation at their schools,” said Robin Bergeron-Nolan, director of health services.

As with any respiratory illness, persons are asked to practice good personal hygiene such as covering their mouths with a tissue when coughing and sneezing then properly disposing of the tissue in a waste container; the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and thorough hand washing; and if sick, remain home from work or school and avoid contact with others.

Swine Influenza is caused by the Influenza type A virus found in pigs. Until now, human infection has been uncommon, with most cases involving humans exposed to infected pigs. Human to human transmission has previously been rare.

Symptoms of Swine Influenza are similar to those of regular influenza, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue and body aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can be present as well.

For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.gcsnc.com/parents/h1n1.htm

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.