The flu has become a focus recently in the news, especially the Bird Flu. The Richland School District, along with federal, state and local governmental agencies, is working on an overall pandemic flu plan. Part of this plan will be to keep you informed about the flu and emergency information if it should develop in our area. We will be educating our students and staff about disease prevention. At the bottom of this page, there are up-to-date links to current information.

Influenza virus (flu) affects the nose, throat and lungs. It occurs annually, usually in winter. The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and muscle pain. The flu virus is spread from person to person by droplets from the nose or mouth, such as with coughing or sneezing.

The Bird Flu is a new influenza virus that originated from bird influenza commonly found in ducks and chickens in Asia. At this time, the virus has not developed the ability to pass easily from person to person. Influenza viruses are common and we deal with them every winter. We know that we will need to be more careful to observe prevention techniques to stay healthy if the bird flu should develop into a spreadable virus. In the event of an outbreak, there is the possibility a school could be closed or in the worst case, all schools in our area could be closed for a time.

A Pandemic is when a new disease like the bird flu spreads among the populations around the world. This new disease could cause serious illness and could spread easily to different countries because of the lack of immunity to it. Many of your questions about pandemic flu will be answered if you go to: http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/qna.htm

How you can prevent the flu? Below are some simple principles to follow.

• Keep your germs to yourself:
  
  
  • Cover your nose & mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose (or cover sneeze with your elbow).
    
  • Throw out used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
    
  • Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs.
    
  • Wash hands with warm water & soap - or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    
  • Wash hands often if you are sick.
    
  • Stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a cough & fever.
    
  • See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough & fever, and follow their instructions. Take medications as prescribed & get lots of rest.
  
  
• Keep the virus germs away from you:
  
  
  • Wash your hands before eating or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    
  • Wash your hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose or whose nose is running.
    
  • Don't share things like cigarettes, towels, lipstick, toys or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
    
  • Don't share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.