Beautiful Camp Inna Fluenza, on Lake Tamiflu
"I have received several calls from camp directors or physicians because of influenza in sleepaway summer camps. They are already working in accordance with ACA and state guidelines but as a result, many children are being isolated for 7 days or are being sent home regardless of duration and severity of symptoms without any testing as the current recommendations recommend this regardless of flu test result. In one camp, the sicker children were tested and tested positive for fluA. Now, any child who presents with a single isolated temp above 100 and any other symptom is being removed for 7 days. However, no one is particularly ill and many are well within a day.
For the children who test positive for fluA, the answer is fairly straightforward. However, summer colds and strep do happen at camps and many children may be isolated who either do not need it or who have something else that does not necessitate this (eg, strep after abx). I think it is reasonable for kids with sore throat and fever to be tested for strep--if positive, treat, etc. It may also be reasonable to test those with fever and cough for flu (they are picking it up on their rapid kit with some success)--if positive, follow the guidelines as they currently exist. The quandary is what to do with a child who is negative and is well within two days and whether or not they may return to their bunk and activities.
Obviously the camps will comply with local health authorities. Any other thoughts?"
So what do you think? If you were a summer camp director, or camp nurse, or local public health official, how would you manage H1N1 risk at camp?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/14/AR2009071402958.html?hpid=sec-health
ReplyDeletemore on camps in Wash Post today!
Kathy
I have worked in many different summer camps in maine, and we would just make sure all of the counselors had hand sanitizer at all times. We would also have hand sanitizer located at many different spots around the camp, out in the open for kids to use. Also, the sterilization of play equipment is important.
ReplyDeleteRemember after playing outdoors, saying a game of Soccer Ball, be sure to wash your hands or take a shower.
ReplyDelete