Why Does Head Start Work?
Flu Season Information
Flu Strains-We are off to a great new school year, and the continued safety of our students and staff is of the utmost
importance to us. The Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start Program is closely monitoring the
news about the anticipated increase in seasonal and H1N1 flu strains this year better known as the swine flu.
In order to help prevent the spread of these flu strains, it is important that you and your family take direct
responsibility for personal hygiene by avoiding unnecessary contact with obviously ill people and thoroughly
covering your mouth and nose with disposable tissues or the inside of the elbow when sneezing or
coughing. Dispose of used tissues properly. You should also encourage your family members to frequently
and thoroughly wash their hands. If soap and water are unavailable, it is recommended that you use alcohol based
hand sanitizer.
Please be assured that we are doing our part to prevent an outbreak at the centers. We have installed sanitized
dispensers at the center for parents and staff to wash their hands when entering the centers. We also at the
beginning of 2009/2010 School year passed out brochures and provided information during Parent Committee
Meetings about the Influenza. As we receive more information about Prevention Steps our program will
ensure it is distributed to our families.
It is important that you monitor your child, family, and your health. If you suspect you may have the flu, stay
home and contact your health care provider. The Center for Disease Control advises that after 24 hours of no
present symptoms or fever without the use of fever reducing medicine you or your child could return to work/
school. Below are a list of signs and symptoms of the flu:
- Fever of 100 or higher
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Cough
- Body aches
- Chills and fatigue
Head Start Registered Nurse and the Hillsborough County Government have a preparedness plan in place with
skilled professionals with experience in infectious disease epidemiology who are closely monitoring this flu
season's progress.
Our Registered Nurse will continue to coordinates, monitor, and participates in regular health updates with the
Hillsborough County Health Department, Head Start/Early Head Start Health Advisory Committee, and the
Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For additional information, please visit the following resource websites:
We will continue to provide you with updated information as it becomes available.
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