Grissom column: Schools have plan in place if pandemic strikes

Several years ago, school systems were required to develop local plans to address the possibility of a pandemic flu epidemic. A flu pandemic is defined as a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that can spread easily from person to person. Recently, certain schools across the country have had to address the effects of the most current H1N1-Swine Flu outbreak. The Rowan-Salisbury School System has a plan in place and is ready to address any problems that may occur in our community. Rowan County works closely with the North Carolina Department of Health to keep us updated about any outbreaks or concerns.

The Pandemic Plan for our district contains the appropriate components. The plan contains strategies for prevention and education efforts for the school system.

One example would be the letter and materials that were sent home with students about the precautions dealing with the Swine Flu.

There is a communication section of the plan concerning how information about closing of schools will be addressed, if there is a need. Fortunately, our Connect-ED communication system provides us with quick access to our staff members, parents and guardians.

A response and recovery plan has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Public Instruction and Rowan County Health Department. The Rowan-Salisbury School System has a good relationship with our community organizations for sharing information and being proactive in dealing with multiple types of health issues. Our school system staff continually reviews and updates our plan and shares changes with the appropriate stakeholders.

The latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is that school closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of the new H1N1–Swine Flu unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function.

Information has been sent home with students encouraging them to follow certain guidelines to avoid the spread of any virus.

Here are some basic reminders provided by the Rowan County Health Department:

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When sick, keep a distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

- Stay home from work, childcare, school and errands when sick with a flu-like virus. Keep sick children at home except to see medical care to prevent others from catching the illness.

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash as soon as it is used. Wash hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

- Washing your hands and the hands of children often with soap and water will help protect everyone from the spread of germs. If there is no soap or water available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

- Practice good health habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.

- Promote social distancing of children outside the school setting by reduction of public gatherings and extracurricular activities. The risk of getting the flu is greatest when in contact with an infected person.

It is difficult to predict if and when the next flu pandemic might occur or how severe it might be or how it would affect our school system. Because children usually contract illnesses faster than others, the schools must be prepared to avoid the spread throughout the community. The Rowan-Salisbury School System has plans in place and is prepared to handle present or future problems, with the help and support from our parents and our community.

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Dr. Judy Grissom is superintendetn of the Rowan-Salisbury School System.