Volume 3, Issue 1
September, 2009
SCOPE FOR PSRP’S
McAllen AFT, 1500 Dove, McAllen, TX, 78504
Telephone—682-1143, Fax—631-0190, Cell—607-0193
Stories contributed by McAllen AFT PSRP’s
SWINE FLU!
HOW TO IDENTIFY AND PREVENT
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How does swine flu spread?
It is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed? To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
FAST FACTS
Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools.
Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
Addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to the health of our youth, our schools, and our nation.
Students need to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink water, and eat good food to help them stay healthy all year.
ALWAYS REMIND CHILDREN TO:
Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze—have them throw the tissue away after they use it.
Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Remind them to not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way
These steps should be followed ALL the time and not only during a flu pandemic.
Educate and encourage students and staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Also, provide them with easy access to tissues and running water and soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners. Remind them to cover coughs or sneezes using their elbow instead of their hand when a tissue is not available.
Remind teachers, staff, and students to practice good hand hygiene and provide the time and supplies for them to wash their hands as often as necessary.
Send sick students, teachers, and staff home and advise them and their families that sick people should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
Clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, or pens, with cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas.
Move students, teachers, and staff to a separate room if they become sick at school until they can be sent home. Limit the number of staff who take care of the sick person and provide a surgical mask for the sick person to wear if they can tolerate it.
Have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks available and ensure the equipment is worn by school nurses and other staff caring for sick people at school.
Encourage early medical evaluation for sick students and staff at higher risk of complications from flu. People at high risk of flu complications who get sick will benefit from early treatment with antiviral medicines.
Stay in regular communication with local public health officials.
For more information:
Visit: www.flu.gov
Contact CDC 24 Hours/Every Day
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
TTY: (888)232-6348
Source: cdc.gov
KEEPING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
What disinfectants can be used?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that registered disinfectants effective against influenza A are also effective against the novel H1N1 virus on non-porous surfaces. These hard surface disinfecting products can help reduce the spread of influenza virus when used as directed:
Instructions for how to disinfect with EPA-registered products can be found on the product label.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like surfaces in the bathroom, toys for children, door knobs, light switches, telephones and refrigerator handles.
Use disinfectant wipes for frequently touched electronic items like a computer mouse and keyboard, phones and remote controls, etc.
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes*
Clorox® Clean-Up®
Cleaner with Bleach*
Clorox® Regular-Bleach*
For more information about the novel H1N1 virus and what you can do to help protect you and your students, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.pandemicflu.gov
Source: The Clorox Company
SCHOOL JOKE
New Principal
As a new school principal, Mr. Mitchell was checking over his school on the first day.
Passing the stockroom, he was startled to see the door wide open and teachers bustling in and out, carrying off books and supplies in preparation for the arrival of students the next day. The school where he had been a Principal the previous year had used a check-out system only slightly less elaborate than that at Fort Knox.
Cautiously, he asked the school's long time Custodian, "Do you think it's wise to keep the stock room unlocked and to let the teachers take things without requisitions?"
The Custodian looked at him gravely... "We trust them with the children, don't we?"
Chicken Tortilla Soup
6 corn tortillas (6 inch), divided
1 1/2 teaspoons oil, divided
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup TACO BELL HOME ORIGINALS Thick 'N Chunky Medium Salsa
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut 2 of the tortillas into strips; toss with 1/2 tsp. of the oil. Spread in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, finely chop remaining 4 tortillas. Heat remaining 1 tsp. oil in large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 min. Add chopped tortillas, broth, salsa and corn. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 min.
Pour soup into serving bowls; top with cheese and tortilla strips.
Yield: 4 servings
HEALTH CLINIC
USE IT OR LOSE IT!
500 S. Bicentennial Blvd.
Telephone: 971-0077
$5 co-pay for you and the members of your family that are on the health insurance.
NEW HOURS: As of September 3, 2009 Clinic will take patients up to 6 p.m. and close at 7 p.m.