The swine flu has now reached North Carolina and is affecting school districts across the country, prompting some to shut down for two weeks as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Gaston County Schools will not close unless there’s an outbreak in a particular school, say leaders. The BannerNews asked Gaston County Schools Chief Communications Officer Bonnie Reidy how they were addressing the Swine Flu and what measures they were taking in response to its global outbreak.
How is Gaston County Schools preparing to handle the Swine Flu?
Gaston County Schools is working closely with the Health Department and meeting with the Department for briefings. We send our school nurses and school administrators daily updates from the Health Department. Should it become necessary, Gaston County
Schools will work with the health Department to determine the next steps that are needed.
We are in the process of conducting a prevention campaign in the school system. We have information about the Swine Flu on the GCS website, Channel 21 and on school websites. The same information is on the GCS website, schools’ websites and TV in Spanish. Our school principals have also received the same information in English and Spanish.
We’ve also provided schools a list of other websites such as the Centers for Disease Control where you can get additional information.
All schools are receiving posters, fliers, and a letter—the letter and flier will be sent home to parents.
The poster will be posted in our schools and central level buildings. We are also sending the same information home in Spanish for our Spanish-speaking parents.
In addition, we are sending to our schools and posting a question and answer sheet – What you need to know about Swine Flu on our website and school websites in English and Spanish. This will be made available to parents.
What instructions have been given to school nurses? The Health Department and Director of School Nurses are in daily contact with our schools’ nurses. They are receiving daily updates concerning the Swine Flu. They have been given instructions on symptoms and carefully monitoring and checking students for health concerns. Our school nurses are being extra vigilant to ensure any child who exhibits flu-like symptoms are carefully checked.
Are nurses at each school every day and/or how are the schools staffed? Have there been any changes with nurse staffing? Gaston County Schools has 21 nurses who are all nationally certified. A nurse is assigned to each school. The Health Department staff is working collaboratively with our school nurses. Our school nurses are also working with our prevention campaign. There have been no changes in nurse staffing.
What happens when a student is found with a fever? School administrators and staff are observing students for any flu-like or respiratory symptoms (fever cough and difficulty breathing), and will direct anyone exhibiting these symptoms to the school nurse.
As with any health problem, the child is sent to the school nurse and assessed by the nurse for fever and other symptoms. If the child has a fever and other health symptoms, we contact the child’s parents and consult with the Health Department.
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