CDC: School closures should only occur if faculty, student absenteeism is high

ATLANTA Based on the fact that the H1N1 influenza virus appears to be not as severe as once feared, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday lifted its recommendation that schools close for two weeks following confirmation that a student or teacher became ill with the H1N1 virus.

“As of May 4, 2009, more than 1,000 confirmed or probable cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) have been reported from 44 states, with numerous disease clusters, indicating spread within communities that makes individual school closure less effective as a control measure,” the CDC sated. “Most U.S. cases have not been severe and are comparable in severity to seasonal influenza.”

As a result, CDC is now advising schools to only close if the “magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism … interferes with the school’s ability to function,” which is similar to the agency’s recommendation on school closures during the seasonal flu season.

Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.

For individuals who become sick with the flu, CDC is advising them to stay home from work or school for one week so as not to infect others.