Information For Parents Regarding H1N1 Flu Virus

Updated September 30, 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus continues to be a global concern. Prairie Rose School Division has a pandemic plan that continues to evolve as new information comes forward from health authorities. We have and will continue to monitor the situation and work with Alberta Education and Alberta Health and Wellness in efforts to keep your children safe.

There is no evidence to suggest that closing schools would help stop the spread of the virus. If schools close, students may congregate in areas that would increase public exposure to the virus such as shopping malls, parks, movie theatres, etc.

H1N1 symptoms are similar to those for seasonal influenza and include the sudden onset of Fever/Chills and Cough accompanied by:

  • Fatigue
  • Body aches/Headaches
  • Sore Throat
  • Vomiting and Diarrhea (in children under 5 years of age)

It is crucial to practice basic precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. Click here for more information on basic precautions.

We have asked school principals and staff to be aware of students who may be exhibiting flu symptoms We will encourage your children to wash their hands often, cover their coughs and sneezes and avoid contact with sick persons. Our staff will continuously monitor our schools to ensure proper sanitization and cleaning practices are followed.

Staff or students who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or who become ill during the school day, will be promptly isolated in a room separate from others until they can be sent home. If the school calls to report your student has become sick while at school, please make timely arrangements to pick-up your student from school.

If your child is sick, please keep your child home for 7 days after symptoms start or until 24 hours after symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. This is the time when the illness can be spread to others. Ill people should stay home from work, school, public places, avoid social settings and minimize contact with family members as much as possible. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, they should visit a doctor or walk-in clinic or follow the advice of Alberta Health and Wellness or Alberta Health Services.

All Alberta schools have been asked to track and report absenteeism numbers to local public health authorities. When calling in to report your child's absence please inform school staff if your child is missing school due to flu-like illness.

With the current situation of the H1N1 influenza virus infection in Canada causing generally mild illness with symptoms similar to seasonal influenza the Public Health Agency of Canada is not recommending the closure of schools at this time. This advice also applies even if a confirmed case is identified.

Prairie Rose School Division is committed to providing a safe environment for students, teachers, and staff. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance in our safety efforts.

For more information about the H1N1 influenza virus, please visit the following websites:

New information will be provided on our website as it becomes available. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance in our safety efforts.