FORT SMITH, Ark. -
As parents get ready to send their kids back to school many of them are worried about their child's health, especially after word of Arkansas's first death to the H1N1 flu virus.
Each year, more than thirty people on average die to the seasonal flu virus in Arkansas; the reason health officials are so concerned about H1N1 is that there's still no vaccine, and can have serious complications in children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
The CDC's website on the virus says a vaccine will likely be ready sometime after the seasonal vaccine is distributed. And for the first time in Arkansas, that seasonal vaccine will be provided free to kids in public schools across the state.
While this vaccine won't protect against H1N1, Ed Barham with the state health department says it's still an important step in preventing regular flu, which is deadly enough on its own.
"This campaign will go a long way toward protecting other populations in the state, other than the little kids," he said. "It's been shown it's the best way to protect the elderly population. It's a good way to protect all of us, is to protect the little kids first."
Almost three million dollars from the increased cigarette tax are being used to pay for the flu vaccines. Schools will be handing out more information about the clinics in their area, as well as permission slips, once school starts.
Dr. Randy bridges with Fort Smith Public Schools says their local clinic will be similar to the annual flu shot drives put on by the health department.
"It'll be a situation where you'll drive-in with your family, the whole family would get the flu vaccine, and then you'd drive away very convenient really for anyone in this area," he said.
Dr. Bridges says the health policies already in place at Fort Smith Public Schools should be enough to handle any possible cases of H1N1 in the student body; children with a 100-degree fever or higher are sent home or isolated from other students, and the school is publishing more material reminding students to wash their hands.
"It's very simple, but very effective," said Dr. Bridges. "We'll have warm water and soap nearby almost all classrooms, and remind the kids to avoid sharing food as well as avoid touching their eyes, noses, ears or mouths if they're in contact with someone who's sick."
You can also find out more about flu prevention and the H1N1 virus by visiting the Arkansas Department of Health's website, HealthyArkansas.com.
Each year, more than thirty people on average die to the seasonal flu virus in Arkansas; the reason health officials are so concerned about H1N1 is that there's still no vaccine, and can have serious complications in children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
The CDC's website on the virus says a vaccine will likely be ready sometime after the seasonal vaccine is distributed. And for the first time in Arkansas, that seasonal vaccine will be provided free to kids in public schools across the state.
While this vaccine won't protect against H1N1, Ed Barham with the state health department says it's still an important step in preventing regular flu, which is deadly enough on its own.
"This campaign will go a long way toward protecting other populations in the state, other than the little kids," he said. "It's been shown it's the best way to protect the elderly population. It's a good way to protect all of us, is to protect the little kids first."
Almost three million dollars from the increased cigarette tax are being used to pay for the flu vaccines. Schools will be handing out more information about the clinics in their area, as well as permission slips, once school starts.
Dr. Randy bridges with Fort Smith Public Schools says their local clinic will be similar to the annual flu shot drives put on by the health department.
"It'll be a situation where you'll drive-in with your family, the whole family would get the flu vaccine, and then you'd drive away very convenient really for anyone in this area," he said.
Dr. Bridges says the health policies already in place at Fort Smith Public Schools should be enough to handle any possible cases of H1N1 in the student body; children with a 100-degree fever or higher are sent home or isolated from other students, and the school is publishing more material reminding students to wash their hands.
"It's very simple, but very effective," said Dr. Bridges. "We'll have warm water and soap nearby almost all classrooms, and remind the kids to avoid sharing food as well as avoid touching their eyes, noses, ears or mouths if they're in contact with someone who's sick."
You can also find out more about flu prevention and the H1N1 virus by visiting the Arkansas Department of Health's website, HealthyArkansas.com.
