H1N1 Flu Virus Information

San Diego Unified has updated its procedures regarding the H1N1 flu virus based on recommendations by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

• Vaccination Information: It’s important for parents to contact their private health care provider or a county community clinic as the preferred means to receive the H1N1 vaccine for their children or other eligible family members. Locations of County vaccination sites can be found at www.sdiz.org or by calling 2-1-1.

• Attend School: Students and staff who are not ill should come to school each day, including schools where an "outbreak" has occurred. Schools are being given updated instructions {Adobe PDF} to protect the health of our students and staff.

• When to Return After Illness: Students and staff with flu symptoms may return when fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication during those 24 hours.

• Special Conditions: Children with underlying health conditions (including asthma, immune system problems, neuromuscular disorders, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and pregnancy) who experience flu symptoms should contact their doctor, as they may be eligible for an anti-viral medication.

We ask for your help in paying attention to your health and the health of our students. The symptoms of the H1N1 influenza virus infection are fever of 100 degrees F or higher with cough. Other symptoms may include sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. The seasonal flu vaccine does not offer protection against this particular virus.

Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family:

• Practice good hand hygiene, wash your hands properly and often. Use a hand-sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover your cough with a tissue, or sneeze into your sleeve.

• Children and adults who are sick should stay home from school or work and stay away from other people who are sick.

• Check with your health care provider about getting yourself and your children vaccinated for seasonal (regular) flu now and H1N1 flu when available.

Our teachers and staff will also be stressing the importance of frequent hand washing and "sneezing in your sleeve." If flu symptoms occur at school, students and staff members will not be allowed to remain at school.

For more information, please call 2-1-1.

H1N1 Related Information

• Instructions for School and District Sites on Managing Students and Staff with Flu-Like Symptoms {Adobe PDF}

• Flu Vaccine Information for Parents: English {Adobe PDF} | Spanish {Adobe PDF}

Health Clinics

• List of Public Health Centers {Adobe PDF}

• Council of Community Clinics - (619) 542-4300

• Family Health Centers of San Diego - (619) 515-2300

Resources for Kids

• {Scrub Club} The Scrub Club: Join a group of seven kids and Ship-Shape – the mysterious but lovable leader who watches over the hands of the world’s children from his Bubble telescope – that join forces to fight off harmful germs and bacteria, teaching children the proper handwashing process along the way.