Seasonal influenza and H1N1

Updated 10/26/2009

As the fall season approaches, so does the flu season. The Clark County School District (CCSD) and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) work together to address concerns related to the influenza season, including the H1N1 strain of influenza.  Although the flu is widespread throughout the United States, most people who have reported have had mild disease. CCSD is working to support the health and safety of our staff and community, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has provided the following information to minimize the spread of influenza:

  • 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 become ill, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. It is recommended that people remain home for at least 24 hours after a fever ends without the aid of anti-fever medication.

The CDC revised its guidelines, and schools will remain open even if there are cases of H1N1 or seasonal influenza among students.  Not all diagnoses of the flu utilize the formal testing, and not all flu-like symptoms are confirmed cases of influenza or H1N1 influenza.  It is important to note that school absences may be the result of other illness or circumstances, not just influenza.

In addition, health professionals suggest people may want to consider the seasonal flu vaccine. There are no anticipated shortages, and seasonal flu shots are recommended for most people.  For information about the H1N1 vaccine, check with your health care professional or visit the Southern Nevada Health District's Web site.

Resources

Updated information regarding H1N1 is available on the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Web site, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.

Centros para el Control y la Prevencion de Enfermedades/Gripe H1N1: Informacion general

"Flu smart" information from SNHD.

Visit the SNHD website for information on vaccinations, or call 702-759-4636.

Para obtener informacion actualizada sobre el virus H1N1 y la disponibilidad de la vacuna, llame al (702) 759-INFO o visite Southern Nevada Health District.

Visit the SNHD for general information on health.

Para Gripe H1N1 Informacion en Espanol visite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.

Follow SNHD updates on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SNHDflu.