MSAD #4

 
  
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RE:  Officials order closure of schools in S.A.D. #4
 
Health and school officials have ordered the closure of schools as a result of the pandemic flu outbreak in the county.  Schools may be closed for a period of time – days or even weeks.  Because it is unsafe for large groups of people to gather, health officials warn people to stay away from shopping malls, community centers and other places where germs can be spread.   
 
 “We know this is an anxious time for our community and our hearts go out to those who are ill.  We are working closely with the schools to deal with the situation and will keep parents updated with any important information,” said local school officials.   
 
According to school officials, the purpose of closing schools is to limit contact among children to decrease their risk of getting sick and to limit the spread of infection.   Because so many people are sick with the flu, health officials acknowledge that it may be hard to get a doctor’s appointment, go to a clinic or even be seen in a hospital emergency room.  They provided some tips for residents to care for the sick at home: 

• Have them drink a lot of liquid (juice, water)
• Keep the sick person as comfortable as possible.  Rest is important.
• For adults with fever, sore throat and muscle aches, use ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Do not use aspirin in children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.  
• Keep tissues and trash bags within reach of the sick person.
• Be sure everyone in your home washes their hands frequently.  
• Keep the people who are sick with the flu away from the people who are not sick.   

More information on pandemic flu is available at www.pandemicflu.gov or the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.