Community facilities, such as schools, daycares and community centres, are natural gathering places where human contact occurs.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.  Sometimes people become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, mouths or noses.

 

 

Will schools and daycares be closed?

 

Not at this time.  The current H1N1 flu virus situation does not warrant the disruption of closures. 

 

Parent letter - November 2009

YRDSB parent letter - September 2009
YDCSB parent letter - September 2009

Parent letter – September 2009
Prevention poster

Be aware of influenza-like illness
Attending Social Gatherings during Flu Season

 

What can be done to reduce the risk of getting the flu?

 

Everyone is encouraged to follow the usual infection control precautions to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness.  To reduce the risk of illness:

• Wash your hands well and often.  If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains between 60-90 per cent alcohol
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.  Dispose of tissues immediately.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way
• Stay home when you are ill and limit your contact with others
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces

You can help reduce the impact of illness in our community by teaching and encouraging your children to follow the above everyday actions.

 

Should staff, students or clients attend if they are ill? 

 

Anyone who has flu-like symptoms is advised to stay home; to help them get better and to reduce others from getting the flu.  It is good to review your and your family's health daily.  Students who become ill at school should be isolated and sent home.

 

How long should an ill person stay home?

 

If you are ill, stay home until there is no fever and you are feeling better.

 

What can schools and daycares do?

 

Thorough and effective cleaning and disinfecting processes in schools and daycares are regular practice.  There are no suggested changes to the process guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting at this time. Community facilities are encouraged to promote infection control measures by having posters and resources  available for staff and students or clients.

 

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has release guildeines for elementary and secondary schools as well as universities and colleges  for H1N1 2009. York Region Community and Health Services have compiled a document to summarize existing flu outbreak guidelines for child care facilities

 

York Region Community and Health Services Department, along with other public health units, provincial and federal authorities, continues to monitor and respond to the situation.  To contact us, please call our Health Connection Line at 1-800-361-5653.

 

For general information on the H1N1 flu virus, please call the ServiceOntario INFO line at 1-800-476-9708.

 

Last update: November 23, 2009

 

Note – This information is based on the best evidence available. As more information becomes available, this information will be updated.