Pandemic Flu Planning for Schools
The following information provides several resources to assist schools and individuals in their efforts to plan for a possible pandemic influenza outbreak. Resources include videos, planning checklists, posters, activities and guides, as well as links to helpful contacts and Web sites.

What is pandemic flu? Pandemic flu is a rare but recurring event that is much more virulent and widespread than the usual seasonal flu. It can occur during any time of the year, not just when seasonal flu is expected. No one can predict when the next pandemic flu outbreak will occur, but many public health officials worldwide concur that we are overdue. A pandemic influenza is an outbreak of a new flu virus to which people have no immunity and for which there is no vaccine, occurring on multiple continents at the same time.

How would pandemic influenza impact schools? When a pandemic hits the United States, as many as four in 10 school-age children would become sick, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Many teachers and staff members would also be ill or need to care for ill family members and not be able to report to work. The effects on our schools could be staggering. In some cases, schools may be required to close for an extended period of time.


School Planning and Preparation
It is important for schools to begin planning for the possibility of a pandemic influenza outbreak. Working closely with a variety of resources within the district when developing a plan helps to assure staff, families and the community that the district is following good protocol and meets expected standards of preparedness. The makeup of a school district’s resource team may vary, but should include building administrators, school nurses, and staff from human resources, business office, prevention/intervention, building maintenance, food services, and safety/risk management when possible.

The local health jurisdiction is another essential partner in developing an effective plan for prevention, response and ongoing communication. Health jurisdictions also help to monitor and respond to actual outbreaks of illness and determine if and when a school should close because of an outbreak. Local health officers have the authority to require school closure if they believe the action is necessary to control or eliminate the spread of an infectious disease. This could be the case during a pandemic flu; however, the health officer would first consult with the school superintendent prior to taking this action per WAC 246-110-020.

Key Messages for Schools
All influenza viruses are spread through the air when people with the virus cough or sneeze. Touching contaminated surfaces also spread viruses. Schools can promote year-round, routine preventive measures for staff, students and families that help to reduce the spread of any influenza or germs:

• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and have tissues readily available. Make sure tissues are available in all classrooms, common areas and school buses. Dispose of used tissues in appropriate waste receptacles. If hands become contaminated with respiratory secretions while coughing or sneezing, perform proper hand hygiene as soon as possible.

• Frequent and effective handwashing with soap and water will help protect students and staff from viruses. Work with each school’s janitorial staff to ensure that restrooms are stocked with soap and paper towels or working hand dryers.

• Alcohol-based hand rubs should be at every front office desk with tissues and a waste receptacles to quickly dispose of the tissue. Hand cleansers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective.

• Encourage sick students and staff to stay home. Sick students and staff should stay home from school until they are without fever for 24 hours to help prevent spreading illness to others.

• Encourage staff and families to inquire about getting a flu shot. Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends medical providers a list of people who are at high risk for complications from the flu and should receive a flu shot. In most cases, anyone who wants a flu shot can get one.

• Staff and janitorial teams should wipe down any surfaces that may have been contaminated by saliva or other respiratory secretions. Use a household disinfectant labeled for activity against bacteria and viruses, an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant, or mix and use 1/4 cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cool water.


Other Pandemic Flu Resources for Schools
• Sample parent information letter to send home to parents is available in multiple languages from the Seattle/King County Health Department. (NOTE: This sample letter is written for schools in King County. Schools in ESD 105 region will need to alter some information in the letter prior to sending one to parents.)

• "Don't Get Sidelined by the Flu" includes educational materials from the National Association of School Nurses' Web site to help educate parents and students about protecting themselves against the flu. Materials are available in both English and Spanish and include information on prevention, symptom recognition and treatment options for the flu.

• Pandemic Flu School Action Kit from Contra Costa Health Services. This site from Contra Costa County, California, contains a comprehensive kit designed to help schools with preparation and response.

• Handwashing information from the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department

• General information about pandemic flu from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

Key Contacts for Questions or Assistance
Resources for Individuals and Families
The following sites contain helpful information to assist in individual or family preparation for any disaster, including a possible pandemic influenza outbreak.
• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
• American Red Cross
• Washington State Department of Health

In addition to your own school nurse, the following resources can provide you information for preparing for or responding to an emergency: