Definition:
The term ‘influenza pandemic’ refers to a strain of flu (influenza) that has not been seen before and which spreads quickly over a broad sector of populations. The H1N1 flu is new and therefore people do not have immunity to it. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) H1N1 spreads so quickly that it has the potential to be declared an influenza pandemic.
The term influenza refers to viruses that may result in respiratory infection with fever greater than 38C and a cough or shortness of breath accompanied with one or more of the following symptoms: headache, sore throat, body aches, severe exhaustion.
Guiding Principals:
Wesley Christian Academy will follow the directive of the York Region Public Health department.
Control of a pandemic involves:
Understanding the risk and supporting the needs of our students and faculty.
Objectives:
a. Protection of our students and staff and community
The school will be working with the community and the York Region Public Health department to protect and prevent the spread of the influenza virus. This includes procedures to minimize the exposure to the virus.
b. Minimizing the disruption to the learning and education plans for our students during a pandemic.
First and foremost our desire is to prevent or avoid an emergency situation, which will be addressed by:
Communications:
With York Region Health, WHO, Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health, Centre for Disease Control
Consistent, comprehensive information provided to the school community which may include symptoms, when to seek medical attention, local status with York Region Health Department, school status, guidance and instruction for families, staff and students to reduce the risk.
Mitigation:
It is incumbent upon the school to take action, which may reduce the impact of an outbreak through infection control, reduced social contact and immunization.
Supplies and Hygiene:
We have hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the school and encourage the use of them as needed. Our sanitizer (X3) X3 Clean Alcohol Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer is effective at eliminating the H1N1 influenza virus! We’ve attached the official lab report from Bioscience Laboratories, Inc. in Montana.
Here’s the executive summary from the lab report:
The important thing to notice here is that they tested a diluted sample of X3 Clean—at full strength it would achieve better than a 99.9% reduction of the virus in one minute.
Combine this information with the fact that Alcohol Free Hand Sanitizer has been shown to be more effective than alcohol-based gels with repeated use, and you have a potent weapon in the fight against the H1N1 virus.
As always, careful hand washing with soap and water is your best defence, but when that is not convenient or possible, hand sanitizers provide a good option.
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are being widely used throughout our school including computer labs, music rooms, gymnasium.
All custodial staff is exercising continued vigilance in regard to cleaning and sanitizing.
