This is an update to the San Diego Unified School District community on issues related to the H1N1 (swine) flu as of 5 p.m., May 6, 2009.
-- School's Open: With the relase by health officials of the Kearny and SCPA sites, all San Diego Unified schools are now in session. Students should be in school unless they are ill or otherwise excused.
-- Illness Defined: Students and staff should stay home for at least seven days if they have a 100-degree or higher fever and at least one of the following symptoms: a cough, sore throat or fever with sore throat and/or cough.
-- Flu Issues: Parents and staff with questions about the flu, absences and other health issues can call the district's Nursing and Wellness Department at (858) 627-7580. Staff is available there from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The earlier hotline has been closed.
-- Doctor's Notes for Ill Students: If a student exhibits Influenza-like symptoms -- defined as fever 100 degrees or more and cough and/or sore throat -- the Health Department says that they must stay home from school a minimum of seven days, longer if the symptoms persist. A release from a doctor saying they can return to school will only be accepted if the doctor specifies a different definitive diagnosis is being treated, such as ear infection or Strep Throat. A diagnosis of seasonal influenza must be confirmed with a positive Influenza A test specific to the seasonal virus, or a negative Influenza A test. Notes that state only that the child is released to return saying the only had a "mild virus," or “no evidence of swine flu,” are not being accepted at school. Parents and school staff that are uncertain about a particular note should call San Diego Unified's Nursing and Wellness Department at (858) 627-7580.
-- Regular E-mails End Today: These regular updates by e-mail will end today. The district urges parents and the community to continue monitoring the media for information on this health issue. In addition, our Nursing and Wellness Department has tips for parents on preventing the spread of colds and flu, as well as other good flu information at http://www.sandi.net/depts/nursing_wellness/pandemic_flu.html
Updated H1N1 virus information is on the county's website at www.sdcounty.ca.gov, or, in San Diego County, by dialing 211. San Diego Unified's flu information page is at http://www.sandi.net/depts/nursing_wellness/swine_flu.html