The H1N1 Novel (swine flu) virus continues to circulate around the country and the state of Minnesota. While we are starting to see an increased number of cases in our schools, we ask parents and community members to remain calm and take the usual precautions for the flu season.
This website will be updated as more information becomes available. The Anoka-Hennepin School District follows prevention and response recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Symptoms of H1N1
Symptoms are similar to those for the seasonal flu: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza is considered contagious from 24 hours before and up to seven to 10 days after symptoms begin.
If you believe your child is sick
We ask that parents/guardians and students keep these guidelines in mind when deciding if students should stay home from school:
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Children over age 5 should stay home as long as symptoms persist and should not return to school until they can go 24 hours non-medicated without a fever.
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Children under age 5 should stay home for seven days or until their symptoms have been gone for 24 hours.
We also recommend you emphasize basic infection prevention measures with your children, including:
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Keep your children home if they are sick, and contact your health physician if your child exhibits flu-like symptoms.
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The best defense is frequent hand washing with soap.
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Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands. Germs spread this way.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirtsleeve.
Flu self-assessment tool
Click here to visit a new Web site designed by Microsoft and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. The site includes a flu self-assessment, which allows visitors to learn if they may have the symptoms of H1N1 and help them decide what to do next.
Special precautions for high-risk children
If your child is at high risk for complications from influenza, you should plan to take some additional precautions. This includes children with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, metabolic conditions, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, and girls who are pregnant.
