Health Officials Expect More H1N1 Flu As School Resumes
Press Release
Health Officials Expect More H1N1 Flu As School Resumes
South Dakota can expect a surge in H1N1 flu cases as schools go back into session, Gov. Mike Rounds said today.
"In South Dakota, more than half of our confirmed H1N1 flu cases have been younger than 20, and one of our two hospitalizations has been in that age group as well," the Governor said. "We know those case numbers will only increase as kids head back into classrooms and spend more time together."
Children between the ages of 5 and 18 are among those priority groups recommended for vaccinations when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available. South Dakota is expected to start receiving vaccine on a phased basis as early as mid-October. The state will work with schools and community groups to organize vaccine clinics for students and other risk groups.
In addition to urging vaccinations for risk groups, the Governor said the state will continue to push basic public health measures, like good hygiene, that are very effective in preventing disease spread.
"We all need to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our families with the simple steps our mothers taught us - washing our hands often and covering coughs and sneezes," Gov. Rounds said. "More importantly, we need to keep our kids home from school when they're sick and stay home from work if we're sick."
The Governor also noted that, as with seasonal flu, any decisions on school closures will be made at the local level. Guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer calls for closing schools in response to H1N1 cases. Instead, school officials should stress basic good hygiene and exclude students and staff with flu-like illnesses until at least 24 hours after fever symptoms have ended.
Learn more about H1N1 pandemic flu at the South Dakota Department of Health Website: http://doh.sd.gov
Information is also available from CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or on the Internet at http://www.PandemicFlu.gov
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