Area schools coordinate Swine flu response with state

LYNN – Area schools are checking their supplies of breathing masks and taking other steps while they await new word from state health officials on how to take precautions against the spread of swine flu.”We’ll keep parents well informed,” said Lynn School Superintendent Cathy Latham Monday morning prior to meeting to local health officials.In an effort to get a handle on what she called a “scary” series of news stories warning of the possible pandemic, Latham met with city health officials including Mary Anne O’Connor and School Nurse Leader Katherine McNulty Monday morning.Latham said it was important to push the right information along to students and teachers without creating a panic as there has been no evidence of the swine flu infecting anyone in this area.”Right now we are just passing along tips and advice that they are offering online,” said Latham. “We are having the kids wash their hands and encouraging that they use hand sanitizer.”No Massachusetts case of swine flu have been reported, but federal health officials have declared a public health emergency and urged everyone to prevent getting or spreading influenza including hand washing, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow instead of hands and staying home from school or work in the event of illness.Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.In Mexico, a major site of the flu outbreak, breathing masks have been distributed to prevent the spread of the flu. Revere School Superintendent Paul Dakin said school workers are checking masks supplies while they wait for additional instructions from state health officials.Federal officials have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states prepare and respond to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies that may be needed if the current situation changes. Massachusetts will begin receiving initial quantities of these materials in the coming days.”We are reviewing all (school) site access in case there is a call for dispensation of anything,” Dakin said.DPH officials continue to take steps to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness in Massachusetts, asking health care providers and hospital emergency departments to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms – especially in people who have recently traveled to Mexico or any of the U.S. states which have confirmed cases. If a provider suspects a patient may be infected with swine flu, DPH requests that they perform and submit a swab test for laboratory testing.”This is understandably a concerning time for Massachusetts residents who have heard so much about swine flu over the past couple of days,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “However, I want to assure everyone that our team is working overtime on this matter and I am confident that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the people of the Commonwealth.”