Be assured that the school system is taking proactive steps to combat flu germs, including H1N1, to ensure the safety of all.  Some of the steps include providing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in all classrooms, overstocking our restrooms with additional soap and paper towels, and teaching good hygiene and germ avoidance techniques to all students and staff.

What to do to defeat the flu:

Stay home when sick
Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.

Separate ill students and staff
Ill students will be sent to the Nurse’s office.

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations
Of influenza prevention: stay home when sick wash hands frequently with soap and water, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Keep areas clean.
Toms River Regional and its custodial staff have increased efforts to disinfect and sanitize all student and staff contact areas.

School closures
At this time, the CDC recommends all school remain open even if the school experiences flu outbreaks. Closures will be determined by a county health committee.
*adapted from CDC guidelines

Please see the following links containing information about the H1N1 virus:

• Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents
   
• "Take 3" Steps to Fight the Flu
   
• Ocean County Health Department FLU FACTS
   
• Center for Disease Control