HSE changes policy to combat sickness

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind.. (WISH) - Just as health officials predicted, H1N1 appears to be taking hold in some schools.

More than 15% of students at Hoosier Road Elementary in the Hamilton Southeastern School District were absent Monday and Tuesday with flu-like symptoms.

The district sent a note to parents asking them to please keep their sick kids home. It also explains a change in policy when those kids come back.

Molly Murdra decided to keep her daughter home from Hoosier Road on Tuesday. She suspects Allison has H1N1.

"She's had sore throat, headache, but her fever is escalating so we're going to take her to the doctor today," said Molly.

HSE Schools Student Services Director Michael Beresford said if the absentee report reaches 20% for Hoosier Road they would be required to inform the health department.

"Then we would look to them for a recommendation as to whether we would take anything as drastic as closing a school,” said Beresford.

Right now, the district is disinfecting and taking action in its health clinics. Instead of allowing children with mild symptoms to stay in school, they're having the kids put on masks and wait in isolated areas for their parents.

According to HSE Health Supervisor, Jolene Bracale, "Usually it's automatic that they would go home if they have a fever of over 100, but now we're looking at other symptoms that might be combined to indicate that they might have a different type of flu bug."

Bracale said if sick students don't go to a doctor like Allison is, they must be checked by the school nurse before they can return to class.

But, if Allison’s doctor decided to prescribe Tamiflu, her mother may have a difficult time finding the children’s version.

Parents have reportedly combed the north side for the antiviral medication. Pharmacist Kurt Moyer said he can still help families though.

"There is an emergency situation where the liquid can be prepared from the capsules and that is something that we do provide,” said Moyer.

The maker of Tamiflu warned last week of a shortage of the children's version of the drug.

Tamiflu is considered the first-line treatment for H1N1 and seasonal flu.

A spokesman for the maker Roche said the adult-dosage pills are still in good supply, and pharmacies can grind them and turn them into smaller doses for children.

However, world health officials want to make sure the drug is not over prescribed because it could make the flu strains drug-resistant.

Medical experts stress vaccination is still the best protection.

Seasonal flu vaccines are available right now; early doses of H1N1 vaccine are expected this week.