Welcome to TEA's H1N1 Flu Information Site
Texas Education Agency · 1701 North Congress Avenue · Austin, Texas, 78701 · (512) 463-9734
Hot Topics
School/District closure, re-opening forms now available
Interactive forms for school/district closing(s) are now available. A separate form for school/district re-opening(s) is also available.
Latest guidance from Texas Education Agency
Correspondence from the Commissioner of Education about the H1N1 flu virus was distributed Aug. 24.
Updated federal guidance available for dealing with H1N1 flu
The U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Education and the Centers for Disease Control have issued new guidance for schools that are dealing with an outbreak of the H1N1 flu. The information is available at http://www.flu.gov/.
Preparation advice for fall flu season
Since April 2009, the State of Texas has been responding to an outbreak of the novel H1N1 virus. When the flu began in the spring, there was limited knowledge of the severity of this strain which prompted the Department of State Health Services to recommend school closures in those areas effected by H1N1. However, it has become clear that this flu has more moderate symptoms than first suspected and school closures are no longer the preferred method of limiting transmission. Because of a potential for another outbreak this fall to coincide with seasonal flu and additional concerns (i.e. hurricanes and or flooding) we are encouraging districts to review their emergency preparedness plans before school begins. Some areas to consider include:
Strengthening the lines of communication between your community and your districts, including your local/regional health official, county judge, emergency personnel and volunteer organizations. The goal is to assist parents and local/regional food banks (pantry) with breakfast and lunch supplements for students. (Additional guidance on this issue will be coming from the Texas Department of Agriculture)
Increase supplies for infection control, including hand soap, hand sanitizers, tissues etc.
Preset local or campus “trigger points” for closures due to absenteeism.
Consider holding community meetings to review procedures for limiting transmission of the flu (seasonal and H1N1), protocol for staying home when ill and any other pertinent information. Review the waiver procedures on the Texas Education Agency website as well the resources linked to Department of State Health Services, Centers for Disease Control as well as Instruction and Curriculum links from TEA.
Review the School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist available at the link below:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/schoolchecklist.html
With adequate advance planning now, a potentially challenging flu season this fall should not cause a significant disruption to our Texas schools.
Julie Harris-Lawrence, Deputy Associate Commissioner
Texas Education Agency
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
512.463.3070
Julie.Harris-Lawrence@tea.state.tx.us