Fort Worth ISD Students, Employees Asked to Take Precautions to Prevent Infection from Swine Flu
Share Information with Families and Community As Well
In order to ensure the health of our students, employees and their families, the Fort Worth Independent School District is working closely with national, state and local health agencies to monitor and aggressively communicate the very real threat of swine flu.
First, and most importantly, the District reminds everyone that common-sense infection control techniques apply. These include:
- frequent hand washing
- using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- avoid shaking hands without washing prior to any other activity
- avoid physical contact with anyone who displays symptoms
Principals and department heads are asked to read and post the precautionary measures for prevention and discuss with employees and students.
Swine flu, or Swine Influenza, is caused by the Influenza type A virus found in pigs. Until now, human infection has been uncommon, with most cases involving humans exposed to infected pigs. Human to human transmission has previously been rare.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular influenza, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue and body aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can be present as well.
The current strain of swine flu appears to be sensitive to the newer anti-viral medications, like oseltamivir and zanamivir, but resistant to the older drugs amantadine and rimantadine. The CDC is recommending treating those suspected with swine flu with the first two drugs within two days of noticing symptoms.
The District will continue to provide updates about this health concern.
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