For the latest information on H1N1 flu in Colorado, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/H1N1.html.

UPDATED INFORMATION (8:30 a.m., May 6)

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed ten cases of H1N1 flu in the state.

This information does not change the state’s approach to the H1N1 flu outbreak. We continue to ask all individuals with mild flu-like illness to stay home. This is regardless of travel history. Children and adolescents with fever should not go to day care or school. Adults with fever should not go to work until their symptoms resolve. Individuals with severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provider.

The department advises those who experience influenza symptoms need to stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms, or at least 24 hours after the symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

The state health department also encourages people to take these personal precautions to decrease their chances of getting the flu:

• Wash hands frequently;
• Cover your sneezes and cough;
• Avoid others with respiratory illnesses.

UPDATED INFORMATION (11 p.m., May 4)

• There are now six confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Colorado. One case has been confirmed in an adult male in Adams County. No cases have been confirmed for Adams 14.
• All schools are open.
• Please take the normal precautions for preventing flu in your household, such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• These simple actions can help us keep our schools safe and germ free for all students.
• If you would like more information about the H1N1 flu, please call the Colorado Health Line at 1.877.462.2911.

UPDATED INFORMATION (4 p.m., April 30)

• Two cases of H1N1 flu were confirmed in Colorado at 10:30 a.m. today.
• The confirmed cases are in Douglas and Arapahoe County.
• No cases have been confirmed in Adams County or Adams 14.
• All Adams 14 schools are open. Unless there is a confirmed H1N1 flu case with a staff member, student or family member in a student's household, Adams 14 does not intend to close schools.
• Recommendations to close schools will be made under the advice of Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

April 30, 2009

Dear Adams 14 Staff, Students and Parents,

Although there are no cases of the Swine Flu reported in Colorado at this time, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and its partners are carefully monitoring the illness.
Adams 14 has been in contact with Tri-County Health Department throughout the week, and Adams 14 Risk Management has provided precautionary information to school administration and health staff about swine flu.
Additionally, Adams 14 building engineers are taking precautionary measures to ensure that our schools are as germ free as possible. Floors are cleaned daily, soap and towels are stocked regularly in all restrooms, doorknobs and light switches are wiped with anti bacterial wash, and desks and chairs are kept clean.

The following information is from the Center for Disease Control:

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should the community do to keep from getting swine flu?

• Wash hands regularly and use good hygiene and care as you would to ward off the common cold. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• If you get sick with flu, please stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If family members or students in Adams 14 show symptoms of flu, please stay home. It is important that we limit the spread of the swine flu. We certainly do not want to turn people away from school, but a sick child should stay at home or go to the doctor to be checked out.
Taking these simple steps can help protect our students, parents, staff and community.

Thank you,

Dr. Susan Chandler,
Superintendent of Schools                                                      For more info: www.cdc.gov/swineflu