Dear Parents:

As you may know, influenza A (H1N1) can be easily spread from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to reduce the spread of H1N1 in the schools. We want to keep the school open to students and functioning in a normal manner during this season. But we need your help.

We are working closely with MOH and other health authorities to monitor the situation and make decisions about the best steps for the school.

For now we are doing everything we can to keep our school functioning as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. You can set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils, and to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues. Cover up their coughs or sneezes using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is unavailable.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu: fever (37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
• Keep sick children at home for at least 7 days or 24 hours after they no longer have fever without using fever-reducing drugs. This action will reduce the number of people who may get infected.
• Do not send children to study if they are sick. Any child who is determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.

For more information visit moh.gov.ae or call 800358.

Sincerely,

School Administrator