News Release

Online Videos Provide H1N1 Guidance to Parents and Schools

Videos Feature Practical Steps to Prevent Spread of "Swine Flu"

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), has produced two videos to inform parents, teachers, school administrators, school nurses and other educators of steps they can take to prevent the transmission of H1N1 influenza (also known as "swine flu") and seasonal influenza.

The videos — "H1N1 for Parents" and "H1N1 for Educators" — are available for viewing on the VDOE H1N1 influenza website.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright and VDH Commissioner Karen Remley are asking school divisions to post links to both videos on school and division websites and are encouraging school divisions with e-mail notification systems to forward links to both videos directly to parents and staff members.

"The videos focus on practical steps that should be taken in homes and schools to reduce the risk of infection and minimize the disruption of instruction," Dr. Wright said. "VDOE and VDH will continue to work in partnership to make sure parents and schools have accurate and up-to-date information on H1N1 influenza."

"The videos drive home the point that students and staff who become ill need to stay home until they are fever free without the aid of a fever reducing medication for at least 24 hours," said Dr. Remley. "By following this and the other practical steps featured in these brief videos, parents, teachers, principals and other school employees can have a real impact on the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza."

The videos were produced by in-house VDOE staff with guidance from VDH and the assistance of Alexandria Public Schools and Fluvanna County Public Schools.

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