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Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is working closely with local and state health departments to educate students, staff, and parents about seasonal flu, flu pandemic, and the avian (bird) flu. In October of 2006, the school division distributed a brochure called Seasonal Flu, Pandemic Flu and Bird Flu  to all its staff members and students. This brochure contains valuable information and tips on the prevention of flu and preparation for a pandemic. This same valuable information and more can be found on this site.
Q. What are the differences between seasonal flu, bird flu and pandemic flu?
The difference between all three of these can be explained as follows:
Seasonal Flu
Refers to several common strains (specific forms) of flu virus that go around each year, mainly in fall and winter. A yearly shot (vaccine) can help prevent the flu.
Bird (Avian) Flu
Refers to flu strains that mainly infect poultry and some wild birds. If a bird flu were to evolve in a way that let it spread to people – and then spread easily between people – a flu pandemic could begin.
Flu Pandemic
Refers to when a new flu strain starts spreading easily and quickly around the world. Depending on the strength of the strain, it can cause:
- many people to get sick at once-producing a vaccine for it will take time
- severe illness and many deaths
- a short supply of food, goods and services if many workers stay home, medical or government services get overloaded, or travel is restricted, for example.
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Q. How are flu germs spread?
Flu germs are spread mainly through people's coughs and sneezes spreading droplets through the air and into the mouths or noses of people nearby. These droplets also can fall onto surfaces that people come in contact with and subsequently touch their nose, mouth or eyes.
In rare cases, humans can also catch flu germs from an infected bird, pig, or other animal. This could happen through contact with feces, saliva, mucus, raw meat, or raw eggs from the animal.
Q. How can you avoid getting or spreading flu germs?
The most important and simple step to take to avoid getting the flu is to wash your hands often and well. Be sure to scrub your hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for times when soap and water aren't available.
Remember to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and always use a tissue. (Use your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue – not your hands.) Put the used tissue in a wastebasket. Then wash your hands well. Stay at least 3 feet away from others if you're coughing and sneezing.
Q. Should I get an annual flu shot?
It is important to get any available flu shot at least once a year. A yearly shot helps prevent the seasonal flu. Authorities are working to ensure that if a pandemic starts, a vaccine will:
- be produced as quickly as possible
- go to high-priority groups first – like those who provide essential services to help others
Q. What should I do if I think I have the flu?
If you suspect that you have the flu, act responsibly by calling your health-care provider, a clinic, or a local flu hotline. Find out from your doctor or health specialist the following:
- if you should stay home and for how long
- how to protect others – for example, by staying in a separate room
- how to treat symptoms – or if you should go in for testing or treatment.
Q. How can I tell if I have a seasonal flu or pandemic flu?
Different flu strains may cause similar symptoms. However, a pandemic flu may be more severe. Unless a pandemic has begun, symptoms most likely mean seasonal flu – or a different illness that causes flu – like symptoms. Flu symptoms generally:
- start within 10 days (usually 2) of exposure
- include fever, chills, headache, body aches, sore throat coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.
Q. If a student exhibits symptoms of the flu in school, what steps will be taken to prevent other students from catching the flu?
If a student feels ill, or if someone observes that a student is exhibiting symptoms of the flu such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, or cough, the student should report to the clinic or be immediately referred to the school nurse. If the symptoms appear to be the flu, the student will be immediately isolated and the parent will be notified to pick up their child from school.
Q. What are the chances of a flu pandemic occurring in Virginia Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer. None can say when. Flu pandemics have happened in the past and can occur again in the future.
- The 1900s had 3 flu pandemics. The most deadly one (1918) killed about 675,000 people in the U.S.
- Flu viruses are easily spread and constantly changing. With modern travel. viruses can circle the globe faster than ever.
- A bird flu strain called H5N 1 has infected some humans in other parts of the world. But so far, it hasn't spread easily between people.
Q. How will I know if there is a pandemic flu in my community?
Local health authorities will be working with the media to alert the community if a pandemic does occur. During a pandemic, important information and instructions will be broadcast on television and radio and published in the local newspaper.
Q. What is VBCPS doing to prepare for a flu pandemic?
Since March 2006, Virginia Beach City Public Schools staff members have been working with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that the school division and its key designated staff are prepared to respond effectively and efficiently to provide essential operations and critical support during an influenza pandemic.
In cooperation with state and local health departments, the following are VBCPS objectives during a local pandemic influenza:
- Reduce transmission of the pandemic virus strain among our students and employees.
- Minimize illness among students and employees.
- Maintain mission-critical operations and services.
- Minimize disruption of instruction and the economic impact of a pandemic.
During a pandemic thorough workplace cleaning measures will be required to minimize the transmission of influenza virus through hard surfaces since these viruses may live up to two days on such surfaces.
Q. Should there be a pandemic, how will VBCPS respond?
During a pandemic influenza, VBCPS will be responsible for maintaining communications with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health staff and will implement recommended procedures that promote the health and safety of students, employees and visitors. Although it is important to minimize disruption of instruction, health conditions may dictate a change in normal operating procedures.
Q. If there is a pandemic, will schools be cancelled?
If conditions warrant, the Superintendent in collaboration with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health may cancel school. The Superintendent will designate either Modified Operational Conditions or Essential Operational Conditions as outlined in School Board Regulation 4-96.1. Should school be cancelled, students, staff, and parents will be notified through the following:
- Check your e-mail if you are a vbschools x-tra subscriber
- Visit the school division’s Web site -- vbschools.com
- Tune into the local television and radio stations for news alerts
- Call the VBCPS Emergency Hotline at 757.263.1000
Should you have a question that is not listed on this page, the City of Virginia Beach in partnership the Virginia Beach Department Health is prepared to answer any questions you may have about the pandemic flu. By calling 3-1-1 from any land line phone and 385-3111 from any cellular phone, you are able to have your question answered about pandemic and seasonal flu. For detailed information on the pandemic flu, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ pandemic flu Web site at www.pandemicflu.gov .
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