H1N1 flu confirmed at Lisbon school

A student has tested positive for the H1N1 virus at Lisbon Elementary School, prompting the district to post a message on its Web site.

The message notes the schools will continue to follow guidelines offered by health officials.

“Most likely every school in the state of Iowa will have children who test positive for H1N1,” the message said. “We feel confident with our procedures to provide safety and to minimize educational disruptions.”

Earlier this week, confusion arose when school officials thought a student had the virus, but the case had not been confirmed.

Lisbon Elementary Principal Roger Teeling would not say whether or not the child with the H1N1 diagnosis was the same as the student earlier in the week.

Altogether, five Lisbon students have been diagnosed with influenza A, he said.

In reality, it doesn't make a difference whether a child is diagnosed with influenza A or the H1N1 strain of the flu.

Both are treated the same, Teeling said.

If a student has symptoms of influenza, including fever, cough, body aches, chills, sore throat or headaches, they should not be sent to school.

And if a child has been diagnosed with influenza, including H1N1, they cannot return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours, without fever reducing medications and have finished anti-viral medications, if prescribed.

The school requires a doctor's release in order for a student to return to class.