County schools taking steps to prevent Swine flu
By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County and Russellville City Schools are working with state health officials to minimize students' exposure to the Swine flu.
"All out of county field trips have been cancelled until further notice," Franklin County Superintendent Gary Williams said.
School nurses throughout the county are busy evaluating anyone who might present so much as a cough at school.
Russellville Superintendent Don Cox said parents are encouraged to keep sick children at home.
"Teachers are sending any student who has any kind of cold or flu-like symptom to the nurse to be evaluated," Cox said. "After being evaluated, the nurse will send them home if needed."
Cox said he sees the potential for the Swine flu to be present in Franklin County because of the close proximity of Huntsville.
"It [having swine flu cases here] is a possibility," Cox said. "Being in Huntsville, it could easily find its way to Franklin County."
Cox said parents need to be aware that should a swine flu case be found in the Russellville or Franklin County School Systems, the school will shut down for seven days.
"We would get with Mr. Williams and the health department to determine if all the schools would close or just the affected schools, but should a case be found here, we would be forced to close the down," Cox said.
In the mean time, the nursing staff is working with students on proper hand washing and other ways not spread the flu.
"We sent out handouts on the flu with the students, and we are working very closely with the health department on this issue," Williams.
Both Russellville and Franklin County students will not be allowed on any out of county field trips until the exposure danger is lifted, and all sporting events are cancelled at least through Tuesday.
Assistant State Health Officer Karen Landers said it's difficult to predict if Franklin County will be impacted by the swine flu, but she is working closely with the schools on this matter.
"We are closely monitoring the situation in the schools," Landers said. "We've had several conference calls with both systems in Franklin County just this week. They are doing a good job conducting good infection control and education on infection control."
As of Friday afternoon, there were 141 confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States affecting 19 states. There has been one death in the United States due to the Swine flu.
The Center for Disease Control has issued these suggestions on dealing with Swine Flu:
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
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 hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
