Nurse Highlights

H1N1 Influenza is currently the most widely reported strain of
influenza world wide. As you may be aware, the media in Malaysia has
reported an increase in the numbers of H1N1 Influenza cases here in
our host country. The school was informed over the weekend that one of
our Melawati students has been diagnosed with H1N1 influenza and has
been hospitalized with a mild case of the illness. There is no reason
to indicate that this is more than an isolated incident. The numbers
of students absent from school due to illness remain low and the
nurses and faculty consistently monitor students for signs and
symptoms of illness.

We remind the community that by following the guidelines listed below
we can decrease the impact of H1N1 on our community as we near the end
of our school term and exam schedule.
The most effective measures to reduce the spread of illness depend on
the social responsibility of each individual. This includes:
Practicing good personal hygiene by washing hands thoroughly and
frequently or using hand sanitizer especially after coughing or
sneezing, before eating and after being in public places or using the
bathroom.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (T-zone)
Avoid close contact with people who are ill
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
If no tissue is available cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve.
If you have a fever stay home from work or school and limit contact
with others to keep from infecting them.
Keep your immune system strong by practicing good health habits
which include getting plenty of sleep, being physically active,
managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious
foods.

Another reliable and safe means to protect yourself against H1N1 is to
be vaccinated. The new H1N1 Influenza vaccine is now available to the
public here in Malaysia. It is strongly recommended whether your plans
are to travel the summer holiday or to stay here in Malaysia that you
take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself, your family
members and your domestic help by getting this vaccine. More
information about H1N1 Influenza disease and the vaccine can be found
at the home page for the Centers for Disease Control H1N1 site at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

If your child feels unwell:
Check the temperature before taking any fever-reducing medication
(Digital thermometers are available at both campus bookstores for
RM20)
If the temperature is over 37.5 or 99.5 stay home.
Keep your child home until s/he has had no fever for 24 hours
without using fever-reducing medicines.
Keep the school informed by contacting one of the school nurses via
the phone or email.

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