Hello, patrons and other site visitors:

The bug is among us. We have had the H1N1 swine flu confirmed by the state medical testing lab from two of our district students. Many physicians believe that cases of illness with flu-like symptoms are likely to be caused by the H1N1 virus. There are very few cases of regular seasonal flu reported from the state testing lab.

"So far, the H1N1 flu is not more serious than regular flu, so if you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading it to others and take good care of yourself," says Dr. Mel Kohn, Oregon Public Health director. "If you have other conditions that put you at high risk or if symptoms get serious, that's when you should call your doctor. The issue with this flu is not that it's more dangerous, it's that few of us have immunity until we get vaccinated. That means high absenteeism in our schools and businesses unless we all take this seriously and do everything we can to stop the spread."

Vaccination is the best way to prevent against H1N1 as well as the seasonal flu. Public health experts continue to advise the public to take basic precautions to help slow the spread of all influenza:

• Wash your hands
• Cover your cough
• Stay home if you are sick

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe lethargy
• So irritable they do not want to be touched
• Flu-like symptoms improve then return with fever and worse cough
• A rash

Remember: Do not give aspirin to children. It puts them at risk for Reye's Syndrome.

For the latest updates, go to www.flu.oregon.gov

Absenteeism peaked at the charter school in mid-October. Let's hope that is a sign that the outbreak is on the wane and the bug is running out of steam here in our district. Teachers are looking forward to healthy students filling their classes again.

Respectfully yours,

Laurie Newton, Superintendent