2. The Virus and Schools Today Many schools have been effected Major concern for families and school districts alike
3. What is the H1N1 Virus? The H1N1 Virus is a new form of the influenza virus The influenza virus causes flu like symptoms and usually happen seasonally
4. When, Where…Now? The first case of the H1N1 strand of influenza in the United States was diagnosed in April 2009 The rapid spread of the virus is causing a pandemic and has reached global proportion
5. Why is it called “Swine Flu?” Researchers believed that the genes in the H1N1 virus were very similar to those found in the influenza virus found in pigs (swine) in North America
6. School Closings Federal health officials originally told schools to shut down if there were any confirmed case of the H1N1 virus
7. Federal Opinion Federal officials soon changed their opinion after they realized they virus was more milder than first realized
8. H1N1 Vaccine Vaccine has been controversial Little has been proven about its effectiveness
9. Vaccine Side Effects Can cause mild flu like symptoms Can cause itchy/sore red eyes
10. Schools Today Schools today are not told to commit to a total shut down if a single student contracts the virus Schools are just told to take precautionary measures including the emphasis on washing hands and other mild sanitation
11. Resources “H1N1 Virus in Schools,” Thomas H. MaughII, LATimes.com "Swine Flu Disruption Has School Officials Looking for Lessons,” Erik Robelen, FirstSearch.org "H1N1 Flu & U.S. Schools: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions,“ The U.S. Department of Education, FirstSearch.org All Images are from Flickr.com