Over the past few months, many have been worrying about what is to come of the upcoming flu season and what safety precautions are to be made to avoid the situation. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there have been about four hundred and fifty confirmed cases of hospitalized H1N1 virus patients in the state and about nineteen confirmed deaths.
At Naperville North high school, Freshmen Michelle Fahle died due to the H1N1 virus however; she was found having been undiagnosed with a previous heart condition which in effect, could have increased the chance of her getting the virus. Many have been heartbroken because of this death and it will remain unforgotten.
To get ahead of the upcoming flu season, the IDPH is recommending several safety guidelines to be enforced to ensure optimum safety throughout this period of time. The washing of hands and the covering of the mouth and nose while sneezing are some of the most important safety guidelines to comply with as of the 2009-2010 flu seasons.
It is encouraged that the amount of time spent washing hands ranges from 15-20 seconds in warm water.
Furthermore, staying home when sick is equally important, as the H1N1 virus are highly contagious for up to about seven days or more. Therefore, it is vital to strictly follow this guideline so that students as well as faculty will stay less exposed to the risks of this virus.
During rigorous study for a solution towards the H1N1 virus, a vaccine has been formulated and is available to the public at local hospitals and other medical facilities. For more information about the guidelines of the IDPH, visit the government website at www.idph.state.il.us or to find out information from the U.S department of Health and Human Services’ Influenza Website, visit www.flu.gov.
To remain as safe as possible, the IDPH has been advocating the significance to clean, cover, and contain. There are also many resources such as flu hotlines and support systems that can be contacted for further information. There will be a seasonal flu clinic for the District 204 community sponsored by the Steck Elementary School Parent Teacher Assosiation. The date and time period of the flu season is always unpredictable; however, following the guidelines of the IDPH will ensure the security of students and faculty throughout Neuqua Valley High School.
Shamil Shafi, Staff Writer
