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Photos by Sam Wiles
The H1N1 virus, also known as the “swine flu,” is a new threat to the safety of students. There have already been many reported cases in the United States, as well as a few deaths, prompting school districts to take action with the goal of preventing the potential spread of disease.
The East Moriches School District has already begun making strides toward preventing an outbreak of the H1N1 virus in its elementary and middle schools. The district has started to closely monitor those students who have shown signs of sickness in class.
Most health experts agree that the worst-case scenario would invariably be a widespread breakout of the virus in a district. To that end, Dr. Charles Russo, superintendent of the East Moriches School District, said that “there is a plan to provide instruction at home” to students who fall ill.
He explained that there has been good communication and coordination between his district and local government agencies. For example, the East Moriches School District has already started filing student attendance records with the Suffolk County Department of Health.
Communication with parents has also been a critical component in the battle to prevent a swine flu outbreak. In East Moriches, officials have dedicated an entire section on the school website with information about the virus, and administrators have been sending out e-mails to parents that offer updates.
Dr. Russo emphasized that the greatest concern for his district is “the safety of students and staff and instruction of students.”
Administrators over at Westhampton Beach High School have implemented many of the same policies instituted in East Moriches. Principal Christopher Herr also said his primary concern is the “health of the students and faculty.”
In order to prevent the potential spread of disease, Westhampton Beach has installed hand sanitizers in most of the classrooms throughout the high school. And many students have been taking advantage of them.
Lynn Schwartz, superintendent of the Westhampton Beach School District, said districts throughout Suffolk County have been discussing ways to protect students and prevent the spread of the swine flu. Schools have also discussed their procedures for dealing with the virus with the Suffolk County Department of Health.
The H1N1 vaccine has recently become available and there has been much debate over whether or not it is helpful. Mr. Schwartz said teachers and staffers in his district are not required to get the vaccine.
When asked if parents have raised concerns about the swine flu, Mr. Schwartz said: “Surprisingly, not many have said anything.” He then added that that could be because the district provided information to parents about the virus in a summer mailing, and his district offers information on the school website.
The advice offered to parents when their children display flu-like symptoms is to keep them out of school for at least 24 hours after the symptoms go away. Also, students can protect themselves by practicing better health habits, such as coughing into their sleeves instead of their hands, and frequently washing their hands, according to Courtney Owen, a junior at Westhampton Beach High School.
“I’ve definitely been taking advantage of the hand sanitizers provided [by the district],” Courtney said. “Especially with the flu scare and the awareness the school is promoting.”
Those interested in learning more about the H1N1 virus, including ways to protect oneself, should visit the Suffolk County Department of Health website at suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/healthservices.aspx.
Sam Wiles is a junior at Westhampton Beach High School—Ed.
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