Darien schools prepare for swine flu

Written by Nicole Meir, Teen Times Reporter
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 05:00

Along with leaves falling from the trees and the crisp refreshing air, comes runny noses, sore throats, and the bitter taste of cough drops. Yes, flu season has arrived.

Every fall brings the inevitable seasonable flu. This year however, it is supposed to be delayed, and seasonal flu is predicted not to strike until late-fall, early winter. “Symptoms include: sore throat, congestion, body aches, and fever,” Dr. John Dubaz, a physician at Darien Pediatrics, said.

According to Dr. Dubaz, the way to avoid the influenza virus is to maintain good hand washing, make sure to cough and sneeze into your arm, and stay home when you fall ill.

“Another way to prevent influenza is keeping a distance of three feet from each person,” Darien High School nurse Rosann Fitzmaurice said. “Just plain old hygiene will prevent you from getting sick.”

This year’s seasonal flu is not expected to be more severe than last year’s. “The flu will be the same as the previous years, however swine is expected to be much worse,” Dubaz said.

After the jaw-dropping event of swine flu hitting the East Coast last spring, people have been dreading the return of this virus. Currently affecting the southern states more, swine flu (officially known as H1N1) has recently been reported in Fairfield County.

“There are specific vaccines for different age groups… babies, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults. Since we have no idea how badly swine will hit Darien and who H1N1 will target, the health department is unable to provide the vaccines in school settings,” Ellen Ryan, the school district’s director of health, said.

Although not certain as to how immensely swine will impact Darien, the Darien Public Schools District has incorporated recent additions to promote the prevention of the swine flu. “We’ve put tissues and non-alcoholic hand sanitizers throughout the school.” Ms. Ryan said.

The district has also added a new policy, which prohibits students from returning to school until they have sustained a temperature of under 100 degrees, without taking any medication or antibiotics, over a 24-hour period.

“The best way to prevent swine is to use antibacterial gel, stay home when you are sick, and cover your cough,” Ms. Ryan said. These three instructions may seem like common knowledge; however following these few rules can prevent you from getting a ghastly illness, and having a dreadful few days.