Taking Steps to Reduce the Spread of Flu

Westmoreland State Health Center

233 West Otterman Street

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-832-5315

The Department of Health is now providing H1N1 vaccine to ANY Pennsylvanian who wants it. It's important for people to still get immunized, even though influenza activity in the state is declining. We anticipate a third wave of this pandemic will occur in Pennsylvania. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated.

Dear Parent,

As part of our proactive approach to this issue, we met with officials from the State Health Department to review our cleaning and sanitation procedures to ensure the proper use of materials and that best practices are being carried out.  As a follow-up to our meeting we have:

-          installed sanitizers in every classroom and

-          in-serviced all key personnel with direct contact with our students i.e. cafeteria staff, bus drivers, coaches, custodians, support staff and teachers on best practice according to PA Department of Health guidelines.

We will continue to work with state health officials to monitor flu conditions and to make decisions about the best steps to take if conditions change.  We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu.  These groups include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic disorders), and people age 65 years and older.  It is important for these students and staff to contact their doctor immediately at the first signs of illness.

Children seen by the nurse at school who present with flu symptoms will be separated from others and sent home as soon as possible.  Following the PA Department of Health and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, children exhibiting flu symptoms may be provided with a face mask to wear while waiting for the parent/guardian to arrive in order to reduce the spread of illness.

For now, we are doing every thing we can to keep our school functioning as usual.  Above this letter is a link to a tip list from the State Health Department with a few things that you can do to help prevent the spread of flu.  For more information, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for the most current information about the flu.  For updates and more information about flu in our community and what our school is doing, visit Derry Area School District’s website.  We will notify you of any additional changes to our school’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu.

Sincerely,   

Roberta J. McCahan

Superintendent

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