Naugatuck Public Schools

We have been informed that Naugatuck Public Schools have seen an increase in flu-like illness among their students. We believe that some of these students may be ill with novel influenza H1N1 (also known as "swine flu"). The ill students have been asked to remain at home until at least 48 hours after they are fever free (100⁰F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications**, and their parents have been advised to contact their medical providers with any questions or concerns. For more information click "Read More".

The large number of cases of novel influenza H1N1 reported from almost all states, with numerous disease clusters, indicates spread within communities that makes individual school and child care program closure less effective as a control measure. Most U.S. cases have been similar in severity to seasonal influenza, which circulates in our communities every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and local health officials will continue to closely monitor the severity and spread of this novel H1N1 influenza outbreak. At this time, following CDC and state guidance, the school will remain open.

We want to take this chance to inform parents, students, and staff that the school district is working with public health officials to do what we can to protect our students and staff. The school nurse will be watching for signs of flu-like illness in our students and will send students with flu-like symptoms home. The nurse will also be available to answer questions from parents or students about novel H1N1. We will continue to communicate with local and state health officials for updates on the situation and any change in our plans.

The most important action you can take at this time is to keep your child at home if they show signs of a flu-like illness (fever [more than 100 °F] AND a cough or sore throat) When you call in your child's absence, tell the school of your child's symptoms and when the symptoms started. Children who are well and do not have flu-like illness do not need to stay home from school because of close contact with someone with novel H1N1 flu. However students should not attend school if they start to show symptoms. If symptoms develop while at school, arrangements must be made to return home immediately.

Most children recover from influenza quickly without treatment. However, you may want to contact your medical provider for advice, especially if your child has any underlying health conditions that may put him/her at higher risk of complications from influenza. Those at higher risk include:

• People over 65 or under 5 years of age
• People with chronic lung disorders such as asthma or emphysema
• People with chronic heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders
• People with diabetes
• People whose immune systems are compromised by illness or medication
• Pregnant women
• People on long-term aspirin therapy

^† Guidance on how long to keep a child with flu symptoms home is subject to change. For the most updated information, visit the Connecticut Flu Watch website listed on the next page.

It is very important to teach children what we all need to do to prevent spread of the virus:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with the crook or your elbow or a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. More information, including frequent updates, is available online:

• Connecticut Flu Watch web site: http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
• Naugatuck Valley Health Department web site: http://www.nvhd.org