Letter from Rockwall City Health Officer, David Lensch, M.D.

Filed under Health Services on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 by Author: Cheryl Bryan.

September 29, 2009

To: Parents/Guardians of students attending Rockwall Schools

Re: Letter from Rockwall City Health Officer, David Lensch, M.D.

Rockwall ISD is coordinating with Dr. Lensch and the County Health Officer, Dr. Carl McKenney to monitor influenza in Rockwall ISD. Dr. Lensch has asked for the opportunity to share information with parents in our district. Below is his letter addressing influenza:

Dear Parents:

Our clinic and the clinics of other healthcare providers in this area have seen a significant number of children with flu-like symptoms the past few weeks and many are testing positive for influenza-A. It is assumed that influenza-A at this time of the year is most likely the swine flu (H1N1 virus). Confirmatory tests are not being sent out from our clinics, but just from hospitalized patients that are more seriously ill. In spite of the media blitz of swine flu related stories, we are not worried about the severity of this influenza. I must stress that it is the secondary complications of any upper respiratory infection that are to be concerned about and not just the swine flu.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this virus to be in a worldwide pandemic based on the spread of the virus and not the severity of the virus. The vast majority of those presenting with H1N1 virus infection have milder symptoms than the seasonal flu of years past. The website at http://www.cdc.gov/provides an abundance of recommendations for patients, parents, schools and healthcare providers.

Parents, do not panic about your children at our local schools. The nurses and faculty are following these guidelines and keeping in touch with local health authorities. We are not recommending treatment or prophylaxis with antiviral medications unless the patient is in a high risk group. Treating the symptoms with measures to reduce congestion, cough, fever and aches along with rest and limited exposure is the standard of care. Watch for any complications or unusual presentation that would warrant an evaluation by a healthcare provider. Contact your doctor or local clinic for any questions regarding the healthcare of your child.

Please contact your school nurse for questions regarding your child’s school and procedures in place at this time.

Sincerely,