To:                   Parents and Guardians

From:               Frank L. Jones III

                        Head Master

                        Atlanta Adventist Educational Complex

RE:                   H1N1 Swine Flu Virus 

We know that you have probably heard a lot about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus that has already hit Georgia; There are already cases that have been reported in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. As of right now we are aware of only one confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in the Middle School (BCJA).  This particular student was more susceptible to the H1N1 virus due to some respiratory challenges. The student is doing much better and recovering nicely. To our knowledge no other students, faculty or staff members here have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. We will keep you updated if any other cases are confirmed or reported on our campus.

As we strive to keep our campus free of the H1N1 virus, we ask that you assist us in our precautionary measures to ensure the health and well being, of all and to minimize the possibility of exposure to this virus of each and every student, faculty and staff member.

1. It is very important that if your child is sick, with any symptoms of a cold, fever, coughing, nausea, sneezing,  or aches, please keep him/her at home until he or she no longer exhibits any of these symptoms.
2. For three weeks now we have been monitoring the health of our students, faculty and staff. We have encouraged the faculty and staff as well as students to stay home if they are sick.
3. We have increased and systematically maintained faculty and student awareness of good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. (Using tissues when sneezing and coughing; washing or sanitizing hands; not sharing water or juice containers.)  We placed large hand sanitizer dispensers and boxes of tissues in each class room, the business office and cafeteria, and we encourage each student faculty and staff member to use them as often as necessary throughout the day. We have also purchased disinfectant wipes and cleaning supplies to clean each class room and common areas here at the school. Our custodial staff has been instructed to use special care in cleaning those areas most commonly used at least twice a day with disinfectant supplies. (Door handles, bathrooms, water fountains, etc.)

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4. We are purchasing 8 units of the Vio Nexus No Rinse/No Touch Spray for the main entrances, cafeteria, gymnasium, library, and computer lab.

The importance of this spray is that it:

1. Meets CDC guidelines for hand hygiene
2. Has a no touch/no rinse spray
3. Has 65.879% ethanol (which will clean) and more importantly 0.10% bezalkonium chloride (which provides long-lasting protection against bacteria that can cause disease)
4. Kills germs and cleans skin without water
5. Has emollients help prevent dry, irritated skin and leaves hands feeling soft
6. Needs no water or towels, eliminating cross contamination

All of the occupants are going to be required to spray their hands at least three times a day. All visitors who enter the school will be required to spray their hands when they enter the building.

5. All air ducts will be sanitized and disinfected on a quarterly basis to help keep the air clean.

6. The school has employed a school nurse to be on campus two days a week to assess any students or staff that may become ill during the day. We have a sick room to isolate these individuals until they can be taken home.

7. Students or faculty who have been sick and or confirmed to have the virus will not be able to return to the campus until they have been cleared by their physician. (We will require a note from the doctor to verify).

8. We will notify all students, their parents, faculty, and staff if we become aware of another confirmed case of H1N1 virus. Be assured everyone that all possible steps are being taken to contain the virus and keep people safe and healthy.

Exercising diligence in combating this health challenge will hopefully keep this virus from becoming a problem on this campus. To assist you at home we have included some helpful information which may be beneficial in preventing your family from being affected.

Swine Flu:  10 Things You Need To Know

U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

1.     No cause for panic.

So far, swine flu isn't much more threatening than regular seasonal flu.

During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't dramatically mutated. That's what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere where flu season is now winding down.

Still, more people are susceptible to swine flu and U.S. health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly here during the summer — a time of year the flu usually goes away.

2.     Virus tougher on some.

Swine flu is more of a threat to certain groups — children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to swine flu.

Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not swine flu. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to swine flu.

3.     Wash your hands often and long.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick. Emphasize to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song, "Now I know my ABC's..." Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

4.     Get the kids vaccinated.

These groups should be first in line for swine flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited — people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers.

Also a priority: Parents and caregivers of infants, people with those high-risk medical conditions previously noted.

5.     Get your shots early.

Millions of swine flu shots should be available by October. If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible.

Check with your doctor or local or state health department about where to do this. Many children should be able to get vaccinated at school. Permission forms will be sent home in advance.

6.     Immunity takes awhile.

Even those first in line for shots won't have immunity until around Thanksgiving.

That's because it's likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection. And it takes a week or two after the last shot for the vaccine to take full effect.

The regular seasonal flu shot should be widely available in September. People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get that shot.

7.     Vaccines are being tested.

Health officials presume the swine flu vaccine is safe and effective, but they're testing it to make sure.

The federal government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to assess its effectiveness and figure out the best dose. Vaccine makers are doing their own tests as well.

8. Help! Surrounded  by swine flu.

If an outbreak of swine flu hits your area before you're vaccinated, be extra cautious.

Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sports events and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

9.     What if you get sick?

If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity of swine flu if taken right after symptoms start.

If you develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for kids), pain in your chest, constant vomiting or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room.

Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Cough into your elbow or shoulder. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks. Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol can help with achiness and fever. Always check with a doctor before giving children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for them.

10. No swine flu from barbecue.

You can't catch swine flu from pork — or poultry either (even though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile). Swine flu is not spread by handling meat, whether it's raw or cooked.