Flu woes worry school systems

Lafourche and Terrebonne parish public schools have no confirmed cases of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, but several students and faculty members do have the flu, school officials reported Friday.

Nicholls State University has the greatest population of students and faculty in one area constantly. However, Dr. Anna Falcon, medical director of Nicholls health services, said nearly 10 students have presented signs of having flu-like symptoms since school started two weeks ago.

University Health Service Director Dr. Diane Garvey said the CDC recommends that the students receive tamiflu or relenza to treat the flu symptoms and bed rest. They should not return to classes until they have no fever for 24 hours without using a fever reducing medication.

Whether the students have a regular case of influenza or the H1N1 influenza virus is unknown because Nicholls does not have the proper equipment to detect the H1N1 virus.

“We did an assessment on the cost to purchase the H1N1 testing supplies,” Garvey said. “We found out that the cost will not be covered under the school’s medical plan. The cost would be incurred by the students and it would be an out-of-pocket expense for them.”

“That’s too much money for them to be paying,” she added. “The H1N1 virus is being treated the same as if the person has the influenza virus we see around this time, so the students are being assessed accordingly.”

Nicholls has increased its cleaning in high traffic areas like the dorms, classrooms, cafeteria and library. Maintenance staff has also placed hand sanitizer in those restroom areas that do not have running hot water.

Flyers were sent to students to educate them on the things they can do to help prevent the spread of the flu on campus.

Lafourche Sixth Ward Middle School was the parish’s first of the Lafourche public school to have a multitude of students and faculty report flu-like symptoms. However, none of the cases were H1N1.

“The maintenance crews went and sanitized the whole school,” Seth Holloway, safety coordinator for the Lafourche Parish School Board, said.

The Lafourche Parish School System does not have any confirmed cases of H1N1. However, the school system is not testing for it either. Holloway said the CDC is shying away from testing all the cases because doctors’ offices are so inundated with patients.

Terrebonne schools are also following the guidelines set by the CDC.

Linda Joseph, supervisor of child welfare and attendance in Terrebonne, said nurses are aware that they should isolate students and faculty members who present flu-like symptoms away from others until they can go home.

Terrebonne does have students and faculty members out with flu-like symptoms. But again, none of these cases are confirmed H1N1 cases.

School nurse coordinator Cindy Spence said students and faculty members must stay home for at least 24 hours and have no fever without taking a fever reducing medication.

“Information and education tips have been passed out to faculty members and students,” Joseph said. “Parents are being made aware that students need to eat a balanced meal and have enough rest so their immune systems are at the maximum level to protect them from any viruses.”

“Hand washing is key to preventing the spread of the flu virus,” she added. “The more the students and faculty wash their hands the less the germs will be passed on.”

Currently, H1N1 Core Planning Teams have been meeting bi-weekly to discuss implementation of the H1N1 vaccination. Gov. Jindal said in a press conference that once a vaccination for H1N1 has been approved. The federal government will begin dispensing it.

The DHH will distribute Louisiana’s share of the federally manufactured vaccine to pediatricians, OBGYNs, internal medical physicians, family practice physicians, retail pharmacies, military physicians, the Department of Corrections and other medical providers who dispense medication to a large population of people.

In the meantime, locals are asked to get regular flu shots to help combat the spread of the flu with the upcoming flu season.