Community Notice: H1N1 Flu Rate in Darien Public Schools

We continue to report some steadying of the rate of flu among students at various schools; though flu is clearly present in our population, because other schools have experienced some increases in rates of absenteeism.  For the most part, it appears that staff and students are staying home when sick, and this is a real help to limit transmission. 

Thanks to all for their cooperation.

For general information, here are the rates for the other schools reported as of
Nov. 9:

• Darien High School: 3%
• Middlesex Middle School: 5.5%
• Hindley Elementary School: 4.5%
• Holmes Elementary School: 4%
• Royle Elementary School: 7%
• Ox Ridge Elementary School: 5% 

Our rates have not been excessively high recently, but they are indicative of the persistent presence of flu. We need to keep our focus about maintaining basic health routines.

The flu has been in Darien for about four weeks to this point. Epidemiologists indicate that a cycle of the flu usually lasts six to eight weeks, so we can expect to experience more cases of the flu at least through Thanksgiving. So, following good practices (like hand washing) is a must, and students and staff need to continue to stay home when sick.

We have continually advocated the routine health practices noted at the end of this message. Plus, in our schools, we are promoting more hand washing; we have outfitted our schools with a starter supply of hand sanitizer; we have provided certain locations (such as computer keyboards) with disinfecting wipes; we are asking staff to do their best to promote as much spacing as is realistic between students; and we will limit the gathering of students in large groups when a school’s flu rate is elevated.

However, as our school district-issued supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes has been completely distributed, we are grateful to parents who are helping us in a very tight budget year by sending in additional hand sanitizer for our classrooms. These supplemental contributions from individuals and from our PTO’s are very much appreciated. Thank you parents!

We also appreciate the fact that our parents and staff have taken a reasonable view of the current wave of flu virus and been supportive of the steps the schools have taken. So far, some good luck has been on our side, as our incidence of flu has not been as highly elevated as other parts of the nation or even some parts of Connecticut. Perhaps our awareness and our use of good health practices are helping; but we also want to stay aware and well educated on this topic.

As a final reminder, we continue to urge everyone to use this as an opportunity to re-emphasize the importance of routine health practices:

• Practice regular hand washing
• Use proper etiquette for coughing
• Do not share personal items like water bottles
• Be watchful of routine symptoms, but don’t overreact
• If you or your child experience flu-like symptoms, stay home

For additional information about the H1N1 Flu from the State of Connecticut, visit the CT Flu Watch website.

Darien Public Schools
203-656-7400