My school has a confirmed case of H1N1.

[Fridays Child]

Evidently, the student has recovered and is expected to return to class, tomorrow. Although the school will remain open, I suspect that there are more cases. A number of my students have exhibited flu symptoms and not all of them have been kept at home. I have to go to work but I'll be observing strict hygiene practices and asking my students to do the same.

What would you do?

[LeftyMom]

1. Nothing.

It's the flu, not ebola. You've had the flu a time or three and you're still here, right?

Everybody and their mother was passing it around a few months ago, and the world didn't end. It wasn't even news. This is just a new strain of the same old thing, nothing to worry about assuming you're not especially vulnerable for some reason.

[Fridays Child]

2. That's pretty much the direction my thinking has taken, too.

:)

[MADem]

3. I would teach a five minute seminar on strict hygiene practices.

Be very specific--cough into your elbow, limit social touching, cover mouth, wash hands, wash hands, and wash hands, stay home if you feel sick, use common sense....the usual stuff.

[Fridays Child]

7. Did that last week but it's probably a good idea to emphasize it.

Some of the students may be anxious. Practical advice, calmly offered, may help.

[SPedigrees]

4. I'd do what you're doing. Wash hands and avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes.

[John Q. Citizen]

5. You don't allow sick kids to stay with the well kids do you? At my kids school, if they are sick

I get called to come and get them from the nurses office.

[Fridays Child]

6. I've never had to send a middle school student to the health office.

They usually know when they need to go. But that's a good question: should I send kids out, if they're exhibiting symptoms? It would have to be more than simple sneezing because it's high allergy season, around here, and just about everyone is allergic to something, right now. I think I'll run it past admin, if the principal doesn't send out a teacher email with guidance on the matter.

[John Q. Citizen]

9. Fever for sure. Headache, muscle ache puking, send 'em home. what's your normal district policy?

[Fridays Child]

10. We had a biohazard inservice but I've forgotten what they said.

I'll have to check.

[BuyingThyme]

8. Show that Big Blue Marble movie.