H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

As the flu season arrives and health officials monitor H1N1 Influenza cases nationwide, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to maintain a healthy learning and working environment for our students and staff. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent illness:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: A Student, Parent and Staff Information Packet for H1N1 Flu (13 page PDF).  This packet is also being sent home with students.

The following information and resources are also available from local, state and federal sources that help educate us on H1N1 and other illnesses, and to provide helpful practices and reminders about preventing the spread of germs.  Please visit the following websites for additional information:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Washington County Health Department ..... A two page PDF of Frequently Asked Questions/H1N1 and Seasonal Flu is available HERE. The Washington County Health Department has established a Flu Hotline at 240-313-3456 (TTY 240-313-3391), containing information about seasonal flu vaccination clinics at Boonsboro, Clear Spring, North Hagerstown and South Hagerstown high schools, on Saturday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Dates, times and locations for H1N1/swine flu vaccination clinics have not been scheduled because news of the availability of the H1N1 vaccine has not been released yet.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)

Washington County Hospital

If you have questions or need additional information regarding H1N1 and the health of your child or other members of your family, please contact your physician.  Other questions regarding Washington County Public Schools can be directed to Richard Wright, Communications Officer for WCPS, at 301-766-2996.

 
Washington County Public Schools Student