Overview
Seasonal (or common) flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus. The flu can spread from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Pandemic flu is a particularly harmful human flu virus that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. A pandemic rarely occurs. Three such pandemics occurred in the 20th century; none so far in the 21st.
While the hope is that a pandemic will not occur, San Diego Unified School District is taking a pro-active approach in addressing pandemic influenza issues for our schools. This includes the development of a written Pandemic Flu Action Plan. The district is working closely with local and state health officials to share the most up to date information as it becomes available and will continue to monitor the situation so that we are able to efficiently respond to any changes.
Related Resources
Swine Flu Resources
- Letter from the Superintendent:
English
| Spanish | Somali | Tagalog | Vietnamese
- Fact Sheet from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
English | Spanish | Somali | Vietnamese
- The Flu: A Guide for Parents
- Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School:
English | Spanish | Tagalog
| Vietnamese
- Cover Your Cough:
English
| Spanish
| Tagalog
| Vietnamese - Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet
- Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families:
English
| Spanish - Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu
- Should You Send Your Child to School:
English
| Spanish
- ReadyCASchools: Pandemic Flu School Preparedness
- County of San Diego Bird Flu Website
- Official U.S. Government Pandemic Flu Website
- Centers for Disease Control: Seasonal Flu
- CA Department of Education: Flu Prevention
- CA Department of Health: The Latest Pandemic Flu Information
- Trust for America’s Health: Pandemic Flu and You, Get Prepared
Contact Information
Nursing and Wellness
San Diego Unified School District
2351 Cardinal Lane, Annex B
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 627-7580
