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Grand Traverse County Health Department
2009 H1N1 Epidemic
Positive Impact of School Closures
In October 2009, during the height of the H1N1 influenza pandemic, Grand Traverse County was among a minority of Michigan counties whose public schools closed for several days. The county’s Health Department was interested in hearing how the epidemic itself had affected the business community here, how the school closings had affected businesses, and the opinion that employers now hold regarding the value of school closings.
203 businesses in the county completed a short telephone survey administered by a Health Department intern. 28% of the responding businesses indicated that they had been affected by the outbreak, though they were able to remain open. A similar proportion were somewhat affected by the closings and their employees’ need for child care. Nearly all businesses (86%) had made some changes directed at preventing disease transmission, and opinion on the closings was largely positive as only 13% expressed any negative feelings. Click here to view full report
Transmission of communicable diseases in the school setting is known to be a major source of spread through the community. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that the closings here probably blunted the community effect of the H1N1 outbreak. It has been gratifying to hear that the business community was able to carry through the difficult time, and that employers remain generally supportive of the decision to close the public schools.
Reminder to Parents – H1N1 Flu Vaccine Boosters Are Needed for Children Under Age 10
The Grand Traverse County Health Department would like to remind parents of preschoolers and elementary students under age 10 that two doses of H1N1 Flu Vaccine are recommended at least 28 days apart. Students that received their first doses at any of the local school-based clinics are now eligible for their booster doses at this time. The booster dose is very important for this age group to obtain full protection against the H1N1 virus.
It is not too late to get this booster dose if students have not yet received one from their health care provider. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Walk-in clinic locations and times are posted on the Health Department Web site at www.gtchd.org. Parents can also call 922-2768 if they have any questions.
Flu Prevention Tips:
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Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers.
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Avoid hand-to-face contact like rubbing the eyes or nose and biting fingernails.
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Avoid close contact with people who appear ill (who are coughing and sneezing).
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Refrain from attending outside activities or going out into large public places if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
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If your child does become ill it will be important to keep the child home from school. For most children, bed rest along with adequate hydration and possibly the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol or ibuprofen) will be sufficient.
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If your child seems unusually sick in any way you should be quick to communicate with your children’s personal physician.
Action Steps For Protecting Your Child Against
the Flu this School Year
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Interview with Michael Collins, MD
Grand Traverse County Health Department
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Preventing the Spread of Flu in Schools
by West Middle School 8th Grade Students
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