The world is currently facing a health problem of pandemic proportions
in the form of Influenza A (H1N1), and our country is of no exception.
We are issuing this health bulletin in order to educate our students
and their families to be able to avoid confusion and panic and to
promote vigilance in our community.

The following is an excerpt from the World Health Organization Health Bulletin:

What is the new influenza A (H1N1)?
This
is a new influenza A (h1N1) virus that has never before circulated
among humans. This virus is not related to previous or current human
seasonal influenza viruses.

How do people become infected with virus?
The
virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as
the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure
to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be
inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces. It is not airborne.
There are no known instances of people getting infected by exposure to pigs or other animals.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Signs
of influenza A (h1N1) are flu-like (TRANKASO), including fever, cough,
headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
The new influenza A (H1N1) appears
to be as contagious as seasonal influenza (TRANKASO), and is spreading
fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45). The severity
of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that
can result to death. Majority of people who contract the virus
experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment
or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of
hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune
systems.

Most people experience mild illness and recover at home. When should someone seek medical care?
A
person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath
or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days.
For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child
has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions
(seizures).
Supportive care at home – resting, drinking plenty of
fluids and using a pain reliever for aches – is adequate for recovery
in most cases.

GUIDELINES FO CJPS STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

If your child is experiencing any of the following:

Fever (temperature equal to or greater than 37.8 Deg. C), runny nose or cough
Please
do not allow them to attend their classes, rather, seek medical
attention from your family physician or your child’s pediatrician

To avoid spread of disease, please practice the following diligently:

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,
Stay home when feeling unwell
Clean your hands regularly by washing with soap and water for 20 secs.

We are expecting your full cooperation regarding this matter.