Guide for Educators - Oklahoma State Department of Health

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Guide for Educators

Influenza pandemic is not common; in fact, there were only three pandemics in the 20th century. The last pandemic was in 1968. While, it is rare for a pandemic to arise, it is important to be prepared.

An influenza pandemic is a virus that is spread globally. Persons that come in contact with the virus will become severely ill and some may not survive before a vaccine is found. It may be months before a vaccine is available. Therefore, it is important to limit the spread of the virus. The influenza virus can be passed from an infected person when that person sneezes or coughs. It can also be passed when a person touches something that has the virus on it and then touches his/her mouth.

Educators need to be aware and educated about influenza, mainly because children have a high risk of being infected. Also, schools are filled with a large number of children at close proximity which makes the spread of a seasonal or pandemic influenza very high.

Here are some measures to take to limit the spread of the flu:

Seasonal Flu	Mild to Moderate Pandemic	Severe Pandemic
Vaccination for students and staff	Social distancing should be practiced at school, work, and in community	School closing for weeks up to 3 months
Encourage hand washing and cough hygiene	School closing for days up to weeks	Social distancing should be practiced for extracurricular activities.
Persons with symptoms should be sent home and not return until well.	Work with community flu-planning team to analyze and take additional measures.