Transcript PandemicFlu - Texas Emergency Management

Responding to Pandemic
Flu in the Classroom
Background
Pandemic influenza:
 Occurs when a new flu virus emerges for
which there is little or no immunity in the
human population.
 Has the potential to affect 30 percent of the
population and disrupt 40 percent of the
workforce.
 Should be an essential element of school
preparedness and response planning.
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Flu Basics
 The flu usually spreads in respiratory
droplets from a cough or sneeze.
 Students may become infected by touching
something with influenza virus on it and
then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
 Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours
or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables,
doorknobs, and desks.
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Prevention
School Administrators
 Review the school’s current policies related
to pandemic flu.
Teachers
 Promote good hygiene practices.
 Conduct active fever and symptom
screening.
 Find ways to increase social distances.
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Prevention Resources
www.cdc.gov
www.flu.gov
Visual 5
Response
 Send anyone who exhibits
flu symptoms to the school
clinic for an examination and
to be sent home.
 Implement alternate teaching
strategies in the event of
significant absences.
Visual 6
Academic Continuity
What are some
suggestions for
sustaining learning
during extended school
closures?
Visual 7
School Emergency Operations Plan
What sections of the
school EOP relate to
pandemic flu?
Are these
procedures current?
Visual 8
Next Steps
How can we improve
our readiness for
pandemic flu?
Visual 9