H1N1 and Influenza

A huge thing going on that is not only affecting Rangeview and the community around but the whole world is the H1N1 virus and influenza. These two viruses have hit the United States and the world as a surprise because it is not flu season just yet. The seasonal flu and H1N1 are closely related when it comes to symptoms that people may be experiencing.


The staff and students not only at Rangeview but all of the Aurora Public Schools have been notified by the district about the H1N1 virus and the flu and have been told what to do in the event of illness. The district has decided that they will not inform the public if there are any flu like illnesses in the schools and that students and staff with symptoms will be sent home. While waiting to be taken home the infected sick person is to wear a disposable mask or stay in a separate room. This is so that the virus will not be spread throughout the building and keeps them from affecting others.

The students or staff members that get ill are highly recommended to stay home and away from other people while they are sick up until they have had twenty four hours of no symptoms and no fever without the use of medications. Student’s parents should also call their student in everyday that they are sick to the attendance line. It is highly stressed that the parent/guardian is specific about the illness their child is experiencing and the symptoms. Parents/guardians will also need to inform the school if their child has a fever, cough or sore throat.

There are many preventative measures that staff, students, and families can do to prevent the virus from occurring more and/or spreading. Such measures include washing hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick, remain home until fever has been gone for 24 hours without Advil or Tylenol, stay away from people who are sick, keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth and to also get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available.

It is best to stay away from the sick person if you can but if you cannot then try to be at least six feet away from them. Aurora Public Schools and the Tri-County Health Department have joined together to inform students, parents and staff members about early and most common signs of the H1N1 virus. Some of those signs are a temperature of 100 F and either a cough or sore throat. Other symptoms and signs may include headache, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea.

The people that are most targeted towards the H1NI virus and the flu are; children and young adults from 6 to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers, adults who care for infants younger than 6 months and adults 25 to 64 with chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes. It is important for these age groups to make sure that they get vaccinated so that way the can reduce their chances of getting sick.

Most places that offer the flu shots and H1N1vaccinations will allow the age groups listed above to get the shots first and then they will allow anyone else in the public to receive them. Right now it is said that there is a shortage in the flu shots and H1N1 vaccination, but there really is not a shortage. Although there is a limited supply of vaccinations available of the H1N1 be sure to get one as soon as it becomes available.

-Erika Short