HPSD already preparing for fall flu season

Susan Thompson
Smoky River Express

School is out for the summer, but High Prairie School Division (HPSD) is already preparing for fall’s flu season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the beginning of a global H1N1 flu pandemic in mid-June. The warm summer weather is currently knocking back the virus, giving health officials and communities time to plan for its possible return.

No one is yet certain what will happen when the fall flu season begins. It’s possible the swine flu will return with a vengeance once it mingles with seasonal flu viruses, although it’s also possible it will not return at all.

Local schools are preparing to deal with a more serious epidemic if the need arises.

“We are doing everything we know of to be prepared and, if possible, ward off the worst of an influenza outbreak should it occur,” says Laura Poloz, HPSD Superintendent.

The division is closely monitoring the H1N1 situation and working with stakeholders such as Alberta Health Services to promote increased awareness and education about effective safeguards and precautions to help prevent the future spread of the swine flu, as well as any other communicable viruses.

“Part of this coordinated approach towards ensuring the general safety and well-being of our staff and students is specifically guided and governed in accordance with our Pandemic Response Plan and Hour Zero protocols, which form the basic foundation of our emergency response strategies as a division,” Poloz says.

“This has included the timely distribution of regular updates and preventative control measures to staff, students, parents and other stakeholders within the community in addition to the implementation of preparedness standards which closely mirror those maintained by provincial and federal governing bodies.”

HPSD custodial staff and bus drivers have been provided with information about H1N1.

“Teachers will be vigilant in ensuring students are educated about good hand washing and other hygiene practices,” Poloz adds.

Scientists are also currently working on an H1N1 vaccine, but there is no word yet as to when and if such a vaccine may be available.

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