This letter is to inform you that the State of New York has entered a stage of heightened surveillance resulting from the presence of an influenza virus that is making people sick in several states, including New York State, and also in Mexico.  Although to date only mild illness has occurred in the United States, we realize that many people are concerned, and we hope this letter will help address those concerns by providing information and access to additional resources. 

 Despite confirmed cases of influenza in a private school in Queens, New York, New York State and local health departments have advised us that, at this time, students can continue to come to school, as long as they are not sick and do not think they have flu symptoms.  Flu-like symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F.), fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and muscle aches.  Additional symptoms may be experienced with the flu, including runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. 

 Flu spreads easily.  If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she not attend school or go anywhere else—such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events—where other people would be exposed to the flu virus.    

 It is also important to reinforce with your children the methods to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.  They are as follows: 

 -          Be sure that your children know the importance of washing their hands often.  Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal.

-          Be sure that your children know the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol.  Hand wipes must be disposed of properly and label instructions always should be read and followed when using hand sanitizer. 

 -          Be sure that your children are aware of the importance of keeping their hands away from their face and that they avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

 -          Be sure that your children are reminded to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or to cough into the inside of their elbow, not into their hands.

 -          Be sure to reinforce these healthy habits with your children by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.

 Health officials we have consulted with believe at this time that by practicing good hygiene as outlined above, is the best defense against getting the flu. We will continue to monitor advice from local and State health officials regarding the recommended response in our own community.  

 

We have been advised that the current situation does not warrant school closure at this time.  We are working with our school nurses, our school physician, and Dutchess County Health officials to monitor the situation in our schools, and we will make all decisions in consultation with them and with State officials.  We will keep parents informed immediately if and as the situation changes. 

 If it becomes necessary for schools to be closed at some point, health officials advise that parents not make arrangements—such as sending children to a friend’s home or group childcare—that will put them in close contact with other children. However, it is important to plan ahead through a family discussion now to consider options in advance.  Please stay informed by checking the District website (www.rhinebeckcsd.org) and by following media reports.  You may also get information at www.cdc.gov, www.nyhealth.gov, www.schoolhealthservicesny.com, or the 24 hour toll-free hotline (1-800-808-1987) that New Yorkers across the State can use to get answers to their questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.     

 Sincerely, Joseph L. Phelan

Superintendent of Schools