Are there resources available to help us start developing partnerships with community entities?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: When a school closes and students are dismissed, how long should the school remain

closed, and what exactly does that mean?

A: According to the CDC’s May 5th guidance, schools that have been closed can reopen.

Q: Why do experts think that reopening schools is the right step at this time, particularly

because the news reports more and more cases of H1N1 flu?

A: Initial cases in the United States were associated with travel to Mexico and many initial cases

occurred among school-aged students and were associated with school-based outbreaks. Based

on this initial information, CDC recommended school closure to lessen the risk of infection with

this novel influenza virus and protect members of the school community from a potentially severe

disease.

New information on disease severity led scientists to review the school closure guidance. The

majority of U.S. cases have been less severe than initially reported from Mexico with fewer

hospitalizations and deaths. CDC and local and state health officials will continue to closely

monitor the severity and spread of this novel H1N1 influenza outbreak.

CDC recommends as this time that the focus of school-based efforts should be on early

identification of ill students and staff, recommendation to stay home when ill, and good cough and

hand hygiene etiquette as the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools. Decisions

about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities based on local considerations,

including public concern, the impact of school absenteeism, and staffing shortages.

Q: Are there resources to help me figure out how to discuss this situation with my

children?

A: Parents should first ask their children what they’ve heard and what they already know to help

address specific concerns and clarify or correct misinformation. It is important for parents to be

calm and reassuring and provide as much factually information is developmentally appropriate.

Additional FAQs for parents, as well as information about how to talk to your child about this

situation, can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/talkingtokids.htm and

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/Talking_With_Children_About_Flu_FINAL.pdf.

Q: What should schools do if standardized testing is planned but they have suspected

cases of H1N1 flu?

A: CDC does not recommend widespread school closure based on available scientific

information. However, if there is a sufficient number of students absent, the school may want to

consider pushing back testing, if at all possible.

Q: If this happens again and we have to close schools and dismiss students, should we

plan to continue educating students?

A: Many state and local educational agencies have been working on plans to consider educating

students in the event of a prolonged school closure. State pandemic plans may include

information about this, as may local plans. Educational resources are also available at

www.ed.gov.

Q: Are there resources available to help us start developing partnerships with community

entities?

A: Information on developing community resources to support youth can be found at

www.findyouthinfo.gov.

EXPOSURE TO MEXICO

Q: If a student took a vacation in Mexico recently, should the student be kept at home?

A: There is no reason to exclude a student from school merely because he or she has recently

visited Mexico. If, however, that student shows symptoms of influenza (fever above 37.8oC or

U.S. Department of Education