Questions about H1N1
1. What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of the H1N1 Virus are the same as seasonal flu symptoms: sudden onset of fever 100°F or greater with cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea
2. What is the incubation period of the H1N1 virus?
1 to 4 days
3. If my child has flu like symptoms, how long should I keep him/her at home?
Students with flu-like illness (fever 100°F or greater with cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue) must stay home from school for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
4. What non-pharmaceutical interventions are recommended?
Use good hand hygiene:
Wash hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
Practice good cough etiquette:
Cough on shoulder away from people, not into hands
Disinfect surfaces:
Use antibacterial and antiviral wipes on tables, chairs, doorknobs, athletic equipment, toys, and grocery carts
Stay home when sick:
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medicine. Treat symptoms with rest, fluids and pain medication (Aspirin is not recommended for children).
5. Will Lubbock-Cooper host a H1N1 vaccine clinic for the students?
The Department of State Health Services will partner with Lubbock-Cooper in providing the H1N1 vaccine for LCISD students. The vaccine clinic is scheduled for mid-November. More information will be available on the Lubbock-Cooper website when the vaccine is released by the federal government, and the shipment arrives in Lubbock.
6. How much will the vaccine cost?
There is no cost for the vaccine.
7. How many doses of the H1N1 vaccine will be needed?
Two H1N1 vaccine doses will be required for students under the age of 10 years; students over the age of 10 years require only one vaccine dose.
8. What is Antiviral medication?
Antiviral medication (Relenza and Tamiflu) is used to minimize, and in some cases prevent, the novel H1N1 influenza symptoms. Prescriptions for antiviral medications are based on the doctor’s decision and are targeted to high risk populations.
9. When should antiviral medications be given?
An antiviral must be started within 48 hours of exposure for maximum effectiveness
10. Will schools be closed at LCISD?
It has become clear that the H1N1 flu has more moderate symptoms than first reported in April 2009, and school closures are no longer the preferred method of limiting transmission. District administrators will remain in contact with local, regional and state health authorities to determine if influenza illnesses are significant enough to warrant a school closure. This information will be made available to you on the district website and via automated phone calls.
Helpful websites are:
