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H1N1 Virus: What You Need To Know

As the school year ended in June, we were inundated with news about the H1N1 virus. Glencoe's Health and Fitness Update included a story on how to prevent the spread of the virus in schools. The start of the school year brings more news about renewed efforts to prevent the virus from spreading in the classroom this fall. H1N1, or swine flu, was first detected in the United States in April 2009. The virus spreads in much the same way as any seasonal influenza virus spreads.

Protecting yourself is the key to preventing both seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus. The following list provides a few reminders on how to prevent spreading the H1N1, or any, flu virus.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15–20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid contact with others who are ill.
  • Stay at home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (except when medical treatment is necessary).

Although most patients do not require medical treatment, the H1N1 virus can be dangerous if left untreated. If a person becomes severely ill or is at a higher risk for flu complications, he or she should seek medical treatment immediately. A person should also seek medical attention if the following symptoms develop:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough

As the school year begins, the CDC recommends that schools create a plan to help decrease the spread of flu among students and staff. Although it is possible for someone who is infected with the H1N1 virus to pass it on to others even before the infected person feels ill, anyone who feels ill should be encouraged to stay home.

In the classroom, teachers can help reduce the spread of the virus by teaching and practicing hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Routine classroom cleaning and instituting selective school dismissals will also reduce the spread of the flu. Teachers can also look out for students who arrive to class looking or acting ill. Monitoring students and separating them from the remainder of the class quickly can reduce the number of students who fall ill. Signs and symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Illness from the H1N1 virus can range from mild to severe. Certain groups are considered high-risk, such as adults 65 and older, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic medical conditions. For more information about teaching students about hygiene, please read our Professional Development Article, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov.


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