Legislative Changes for School Year 2009-10

Commissioner letter re: Public Act
Students with Special Needs

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

As you may already know, the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu, has been detected in Connecticut. To date, there have been over 600 confirmed cases. Health officials say the number of cases is likely much higher because people with mild symptoms have been able to recover at home without seeking care from a physician or requiring hospitalization.

At this time, state and federal public health officials are advising that students who are not ill can safely attend school and that schools should remain open. We will continue to monitor our schools and children closely, respond to public health announcements, and rapidly provide information through letters and electronic means.

In the mean time, we ask that you help us by paying attention to your health and the health of your child. The symptoms of the H1N1 influenza virus are similar to those of seasonal influenza. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The annual flu vaccine, provided by health care providers this year, does not offer protection against this particular virus.

Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family:

• Practice good hand hygiene — wash your hands properly and often.
• Cover your cough — with a tissue, or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Children and adults who are sick should stay home from school or work and stay away from other people who are sick.

Our teachers and staff will also be stressing the importance of frequent hand washing and “sneezing in your sleeve.” If flu symptoms occur at school, students and staff members will not be allowed to remain at school.

If you have a particular concern about swine flu, please call your personal physician.

As always, our concern is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. I want to reassure you that we are doing everything necessary to protect the health of our students and staff.

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Resources

• http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/site/default.asp
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm (English)
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol (Spanish)

Area Hospitals
Hartford Hospital's Dctr Referral
(860) 545-1888

Hebrew Home & Hospital System
(860) 523-3800

Mt Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
(860) 714-3500

St Francis Hospital
(860) 714-4000

Saint Francis Care: Patient Information
(860) 714-4789

St Francis Hospital Substance
(860) 714-2470

Cedarcrest Regional Hospital
(860) 666-4613

Connecticut Children's Medical Center
(860) 545-9400

Hartford Hospital: Radiation Therapy
(860) 545-2803

Hospital at Hebrew Health Care
(860) 523-3800