Area school districts are making sure H1N1 preventative measures are in place this school year.


Chapel Hill - Carrboro

Stephanie Knott with the Chapel Hill - Carrboro School District says H1N1 information was sent to staff members Monday and area principals received letters guiding them how to handle sick children and H1N1.

Parents will receive a letter next week containing H1N1 information and details on how to care for a sick child.


Chatham County

The Chatham County School District has begun a poster campaign educating people in the community about how to prevent the virus.

School officials are talking to students about good hygiene and health habits. They are also encouraging parents to keep their kids home from school if they have a fever or any signs of the flu.

School begins on August 25 in Chatham County. Officials said they will continue to educate the teachers and students about the virus once they're in the classrooms.


Cumberland County

The Cumberland County School District held an in-service day for principals to educate them on respiratory etiquette and flu preparation.

Teachers must also have lesson plans in advance in case they fall ill and they must also have packets ready to send with sick students so they don't fall behind on their schoolwork.

The district also held an in-service day for health and physical education teachers to teach them how to keep the equipment as germ free as possible.

Administrative staff members have been asked to use active surveillance and monitor daily attendance records. They must also report spikes in absences.

Letter about H1N1 will be sent home with students next week.


Durham County

Durham County Public Schools are working to keep parents informed on preventing the H1N1 flu this school year.

The District's ConnectEd service will call parents by the end of the week telling them about where to go for more information on the H1N1 flu and the school district is also preparing information videos for parents and students.

The District will also send parents a letter about preventative measures.

Local officials encourage frequent hand washing, especially after coughing or sneezing. They're also urging those who feel sick to stay home.


Johnston County

Johnston County Schools has been preparing for the potential widespread outbreak of H1N1.

Dr. Ed Croom, Superintendent and Dr. Oliver Johnson, Executive Director for Student Services have both been in constant communication over the summer months with the local health department, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Department of Public Instruction. As information has been provided, the district website continues to be updated for parents, staff, and the community.

Teachers are instructing students in regards to the disease and students are being closely monitored for flu-like symptoms. Brochures containing details about symptoms and steps for disease control are being sent home this week. If these symptoms present themselves in students ─ parents are being asked to keep their children home until the student has been fever free for 24 hours. Employees are also being asked to monitor themselves and to stay home from work if they exhibit H1N1 virus symptoms.

The Chief Operations Officer, Patrick Jacobs has alerted school officials and custodians of the correct cleaning procedures for disinfecting classrooms and workspaces to prevent the spread of this virus. The district is using cleaning products containing solutions recommended by the health department and will continue to follow cleaning procedures as prescribed by Dr. Pearson, Director of the Johnston County Health Department. The CDC has stated that there is no need to close schools if there are confirmed cases of H1N1 virus. However, if there are a large number of confirmed cases in a particular school, the superintendent will be working closely with Dr. Pearson to determine what is in the best interest of maintaining the health of our students and employees.

Related Links

1. H1N1 Prevention
2. H1N1 Flu Symptoms