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Officials confirm case of H1N1 virus ‘Swine Flu’ at Utah high school

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DUCHESNE, Utah – Health officials have confirmed a case of the H1N1 virus, also known as “Swine Flu,” at a Utah high school.

Duchesne High School officials said a student came to school with a doctor’s note stating the teen had contracted H1N1.

School officials said the student was sent home and asked not to return to class until they have been cleared by a doctor.

The high school sent home a letter to notify parents.

Duchesne District Director of Student Services Dean Wilson said no other students have shown symptoms of the virus.

If other students do, they will be sent home and asked not to return until they have been cleared by a doctor.

Duchesne High School letter sent to parents: 

October 29, 2014
Parent/Guardian,

A case of H1N1 more commonly known as the “swine” flu has been confirmed at Duchesne High School. In an effort to minimize the spread of these diseases and to educate guardians on the signs/symptoms and treatment of these diseases, we have elected to notify all parents in writing.
The H1N1 virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Spread of the H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or talking by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

To protect yourself and others from getting sick you can take these everyday steps to protect your health:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs may spread this way.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

More information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

There is no immediate threat of infection, this is just to inform you that a case of H1N1 has been reported. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me, your primary care physician or your school principal.

Thank you,
Nichole Wilson, Manager
Uintah Basin Home Care Services