Swine Flu in Schools

The current threat of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus to schools is large, but still unknown.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that this virus could potentially affect up to 40% of the U.S. Population.  This particular virus seems to have targeted younger people rather than the normal type of infection which usually affects older individuals.  Below is a graph that the Center for Disease Control has compiled as of July 2009 which outlines the age group that the H1N1 virus is likely to target. 

 Novel H1N1 Confirmed and Probable Case Rate in the United States, By Age Group

*Excludes 6,741 cases with missing ages.
Rate / 100,000 by Single Year Age Groups: Demonimator Source: 2008 Census Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau at:
http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/files/NC-EST2007-ALLDATA-R-File24.csv

There are approximately 55 million students and 7 million staff who attend more than 130,000 public and private schools in the United States each day. Planning is for this pandemic is essential.  With proper planning school officials can help protect over one-fifth of the country’s population from flu.

Without proper planning, schools are left to “improvise” (as many did in April 2009) in their response efforts if/when they become effected by the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus.  This leads to rushed and irrational decision making at a time when composure is needed.  Parents become frantic as school officials decide what they need to do.  Children become ill at school.  Employees become ill (or frightened both for themselves and their families). Dismissal issues come up.   Procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus are lacking, and many issues are unfortunately dealt with spontaneously rather than strategically.  Schools with nurses may also have a false sense of security.  Though knowledgeable, nursing is a focused science not necessarily devoted to emergency planning. 

Pandemic Support can provide schools peace of mind that comes with knowing you have done everything possible to mitigate your response efforts in combating the swine flu virus.  By purchasing a comprehensive plan from Pandemic Support you will have a step-by-step action plan of response with the most up-to-date guidance that health officials in government have provided - along with almost 30 years of  planning experience.  You’ll know what do to, when to do it and how to do it.  This is a great comfort which can provide a calming effect in your response efforts. 

Purchase our plan today and be prepared!