As you know, H1N1 is present in New Mexico and there are confirmed cases in MESD.  The good news is that the cases we have had reported to us have been mild and are similar to the regular seasonal flu.  However, the district is still taking steps to reduce the spread of flu.  We want to keep the school open to students in a normal manner during the school year, but we need everyone's help to do this which includes administrators, teachers, custodians, health assistants, ancillary staff and parents.  We all need to do our part. As you know, H1N1 is present in New Mexico and there are confirmed cases in the MESD.  The good news is that the cases we have had reported to us have been mild and are similar to the regular seasonal flu.  However, the district is still taking steps to reduce the spread of flu.  We want to keep the school open to students in a normal manner during the school year, but we need everyone’s help to do this which includes administrators, teachers, custodians, health assistants, ancillary staff and parents.  We all need to do our part.

Parents, please, have your children stay home when sick.  Those with flu-like illness (fever of 100 degrees or greater plus at least cough or sore throat) should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.  School staff should also stay home if ill.
Also remember that early treatment of high-risk students and staff is crucial.  People at high risk for influenza complication who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.  Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.  People at high risk include those who are pregnant or who have pulmonary conditions such as asthma, metabolic disorders or diabetes, compromised immune systems, or neuromuscular diseases.

The MESD is committed to its staff and students and will continue to monitor the information provided by the Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and our local physicians, who have been updating us regularly.  We will share information as it is provided if it will assist in achieving the goals of keeping our staff and student healthy and engaged in the academic process.