One of the most challenging tasks for any Headmaster during uncertain times is determining the proper level of response and communication for the community. As we enter the height of the flu season and it seems that all one hears on the radio and TV is opinion about the severity of the H1N1 epidemic, we at MBS find ourselves in something of a dilemma. To communicate too little risks conveying a sense of a lack of engagement; to say too much prompts the risk of overreaction and the spread of unnecessary fear in the community. So, as we live through another uncertain time, I would like to reiterate that we at MBS are doing all that we can to prepare for whatever direction this illness takes by carefully monitoring its spread, by asking our faculty to be cognizant of symptoms and absences, and by drawing up contingency plans should a major outbreak occur.

We have conveyed the most basic facts about the H1N1 virus repeatedly since the outbreak first occurred, but here, for the record, is where we stand and the current state of knowledge:

•The symptoms of H1N1 are fairly similar to a typical seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigues and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
•Students should stay home if these symptoms are present and should stay away from School until 24 hours after the fever breaks (note that the child should not be taking any fever reducing medication during that 24 hour period)
•Most diagnoses are not being confirmed by testing so we are finding that Doctors are basing their diagnoses on symptoms present.
•We continue to reiterate to students the best practices to limit the spread of infection:
- wash hands often; keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue of by coughing/sneezing into the bend of one's elbow; stay at home when sick

If you need more information, the best resources are the following State and Government hotlines and websites:
New Jersey H1N1 toll-free hotline, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 1-866-321-9571
New Jersey H1N1 Resource Center Website
Find a Flu Shot Locator: www.nj.gov/health
Federal website: www.flu.gov

Like other schools and institutions, we do have students at MBS with flu-like illnesses typical for this time of year, so it is especially important that we limit the spread of infection as much as possible. We urge parents and other adults to be as cautious as possible when confronted with any signs of influenza. Particularly, we urge anyone—staff, teacher or student—with flu symptoms not to take chances struggling through poor health in the name of heroically coming to school. It is much better to stay at home and regain health quickly through rest and medication than to come to campus and risk spreading the infection. Faculty have been asked to send any student exhibiting symptoms to the School Nurse and also to be understanding of enforced absences from class. Parents should contact the School nurse immediately if your child develops symptoms of influenza.

Rest assured that we will be kept fully informed by Federal and State authorities should any new developments arise and we will pass along to our families any information that they need. While it is our goal to maintain the normal academic schedule of a school year, health, of course, is our top priority so if an emergency situation does develop, you will hear directly from us in a timely fashion.

With all best wishes from campus,

Alex D. Curtis, Ph.D.
Headmaster