Update on Health Issues
H1N1 UPDATE - January 14, 2010
FREE VACCINATIONS FOR H1N1 at the RIVERHEAD FREE LIBRARY on FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH.
English FLYER / Spanish FLYER
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"Give Kids a Smile" Day - February 5, 2010
English FLYER / Spanish FLYER
The American Dental Association (ADA) is offering the opportunity for children ages 1 - 17 to receive a FREE dental screening, fluoride treatment and cleaning (as needed) during the ADA's nationwide event "GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY".
It is to be held on Friday, February 5, 2010, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Stony Brook University, Southampton Campus, Montauk Hwy., Southampton, NY. To schedule an appointment, call between January 18-22 during the hours of 9-5 631-632-5146. The deadline to make an appointment is January 22nd. No walk-ins.
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H1N1 Information Night - October 15, 7:00-8:00 PM - RHS Auditorium -
SEE FLYER - Also SEE: PowerPoint Presentation (Use the controls to change the speed of presentation) AND Cough in Your Sleeve Movie from You Tube
Dear Parents,
As we head into flu season, I would like to reassure parents that the district has been making preparations to deal with the anticipated impact of the H1N1 virus to our community and schools. Dr. Chaudry and other members of the Suffolk County Department of Health met with the Suffolk County Superintendent’s Association in early September to present the Suffolk County Department of Health Emergency Plan for the H1N1 virus and the role that schools can play in helping to slow the spread of the virus.
The district has already begun to prepare for the impact of the H1N1 flu virus. These preparations include staff and student training for hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and recognizing signs and symptoms of illness. Our school nurses will be closely monitoring attendance trends and we will continue with approved cleaning techniques. Our district, along with all other Suffolk Country districts, will continue to work closely with the Suffolk County Department of Health and follow recommended interventions should the flu outbreak become severe in any one or more of our buildings. School closures are not anticipated or recommended. That will only be considered if absenteeism of staff or students is so severe that the building cannot function. Informational materials will be available in our schools and will be sent home to parents as well. The district is planning an H1N1 Information Night in early October. More information will follow shortly.
Our recommendations remain the same:
- Wash your hands. Hand hygiene is a must to reduce the spread of H1N1.
- Cough into your sleeve or a tissue.
- At the first sign of symptoms-fever, cough or sore throat-keep your child at home until they are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
- Contact your physician if you have questions or concerns.
Our Health Website has useful links that provide up to date information on the H1N1 virus as well as vaccination information. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s Principal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Diane B. Scricca
pdf of this letter
FROM OUR MEDICAL DIRECTOR: Dr. Rogelio Lao
HEALTH UPDATE: H1N1 (Swine Flu) June 16, 2009
On June 11, 2009, the Suffolk County Department of Health (SCDOH) reports that H1N1 influenza virus is geographically in Western Suffolk and there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 in Eastern Suffolk County (Hampton Bays). Seasonal Influenza A activity is also being seen. The SCDOH has not recommended any school closures at this time.
Although the Riverhead Central School District has no known cases of laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza as of this date, there have been several parents who have reported that their child has been diagnosed with the flu and/or flu-like symptoms. H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza have similar symptoms and anyone with flu-like symptoms should consult with their health care provider for further evaluation and guidance.
As a reminder, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that students, faculty and others who have flu-like symptoms should stay home for seven (7) days from the start of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
It is important to be cautious, but it is equally as important to remain calm and reassuring, especially when talking to your children.
Please assist us in our preventive actions to stop the spread of germs by following the guidelines recommended by the CDC:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough (dispose of the tissue in the trash)
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as germs are spread this way
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Early recognition of flu-like symptoms which include fever over 100 degrees, sore throat, cough, headache, runny nose, muscle and joint pain
- If your child is sick, keep him/her home and contact your health care provider for guidance
We are vigilant in monitoring this health concern and are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the faculty, staff and children.
Should you have any questions regarding H1N1 influenza, please contact the Suffolk County Department of Health at 631-853-3055.
Further information from the CDC, NYSDOH and SCDOH is available on our website at www.riverhead.net.
Letter on Swine Flu from Dr. Scricca: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The State of New York has entered a heightened surveillance stage resulting from the presence of a swine flu virus that is making people sick in several states, including New York State, and also in Mexico. Although, to date, only mild illness has occurred in the United States, we realize that many people are worried. We hope this letter will help address your concerns.
At this time, the state and local health departments have advised us that students should continue to come to school, as long as they are not sick and do not think they have flu symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F.), feverishness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms may be experienced with swine flu, including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.
Flu spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else—-such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events-—where other people would be exposed to flu germs. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.
- Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
- Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizers. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizers.
- Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve—not your hands!
- Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself. If we all practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread of swine flu in our schools.
The Riverhead School District has been aggressive in dealing with this health concern both before and after learning of the swine flu. Our team of administrators, school nurses, director of facilities, and athletic director has been meeting to review preventative efforts and cleaning protocols. We continue to use viral disinfectants in high risk areas (bathrooms, physical education spaces) and have installed hand sanitizer dispensers in various areas in our schools. The transportation department also uses the Virex disinfectant cleaning product for our school buses.
Please stay informed by reading and listening to media reports. You may also get information at www.cdc.gov, www.nyhealth.gov, www.schoolhealthservicesny.com, the Suffolk County Health Department or the 24 hour toll-free hotline that New Yorkers across the State can use to get answers to their questions. The hotline is 1-800-808-1987. You can also check for updates on the district website at www.riverhead.net.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Diane B. Scricca
Superintendent
For more information about H1N1 flu visit: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu (4/27/09)
The district is continuing its efforts to be proactive in dealing with this and all other health concerns. Administrators, school nurses, the director of facilities and the athletic director have been conducting preventative efforts and following cleaning protocols. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to maintain a safe school environment through education and the promotion of hygienic protocols. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
See "Updates on MRSA" (posted 9/22/08)
In September of 2008 this site noted that an issue that needed to be revisited at the beginning of a new school year was the information about MRSA. This page was created in September and guidelines were posted from last year and once again highlighted concerning safety guidelines in our schools to prevent MRSA and other infectious diseases. Special MRSA instructions from the Athletic Office were also posted.
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