Most U.S. schools are unprepared for pandemics

Updated:

Only about 1.5% of schools stockpile medication in anticipation of another pandemic. (©iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

HealthMore>>
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>

THURSDAY, Aug. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Many U.S. schools are not prepared for another pandemic, according to a new study.

Saint Louis University researchers analyzed survey responses from about 2,000 school nurses at primary, elementary, middle and high schools in 26 states and found that less than half of the schools include pandemic preparedness in their school plan and only 40 percent have updated their school plan since the deadly 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic.

Only about 30 percent of schools stockpile any personal protective equipment, 1.5 percent stockpile medication in anticipation of another pandemic, about 23 percent of schools have no staff members trained on the school's disaster plan, and nearly 34 percent of schools train students on infection prevention less than once a year.

However, while slightly over 2 percent of schools require school nurses to receive the annual flu vaccine, nearly 74 percent of school nurses said they were vaccinated for the 2010-2011 flu season, according to the study in the September issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.

"Findings from this study suggest that most schools are even less prepared for an infectious disease disaster, such as a pandemic, compared to a natural disaster or other type of event," study author Terri Rebmann, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health, said in a journal news release. "Despite the recent H1N1 pandemic that disproportionately affected school-age children, many schools do not have plans to adequately address a future biological event."

U.S. schools must continue to address gaps in infectious disease emergency planning, the researchers concluded. School preparedness for all types of disasters, including pandemics, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Education.

More information

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has more about flu pandemics.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Most U.S. schools are unprepared for pandemics - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

Most U.S. schools are unprepared for pandemics

Video Gallery

The great recess debate

Math skills and your child's IQ

HealthMore>>

'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests

'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests

Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain

Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain

High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study

High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study

1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder

1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder

Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions

Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions

Look for new, improved sunscreen labels

Look for new, improved sunscreen labels

Many public pools contaminated with human waste

Many public pools contaminated with human waste

Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars

Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars

Yoga may help ease high blood pressure

Yoga may help ease high blood pressure

Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later

Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later

Home

News

Weather

Sports

Meet Us

Public Files

Connect With Us