Coronavirus Information

Coronavirus Updates

By now you have most likely heard of an ever-expanding outbreak of a flu-like or respiratory illness named the Coronavirus, or otherwise known as COVID-19.  This illness began in the country of China and has currently spread across over 70 international locations including the United States. However, information shared by the Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday indicates there are no known cases within the state of Iowa.

What do we know about COVID-19?

·      COVID-19 was initially thought to be transferred through animal markets in China, but is now known to be transferred by person-to-person contact.

·      The symptoms appear to be very much like symptoms seen in persons with the flu.  [Cough, Fever, respiratory concerns or shortness of breath.]

·      There are no distinguishing symptoms of this illness.

·      Symptoms may vary depending on the health of the person contracting the virus. Persons may experience  may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience extremes, including death.

·      At this time, it is not known just how long the disease is able to live outside of a host, but it is important to take precautions such as disinfecting frequently touched items.

·      No vaccine is available to prevent an infection.

·      No treatments are prepared to treat the illness.  The illness will only have to run its course.

·      There are no travel limitations within the United States at this time.

How is COVID-19 Spread?

·      Persons are most able to spread the illness when at the peak of symptoms.

·      Persons who are contagious are able to potentially spread the illness with persons who are within 6 feet of each other.

·      The illness can be spread through water droplets shared by both coughing and sneezing.

·      At this time, it is not known just how long the disease is able to live outside of a host, but may be transferred by contact and then rubbing eyes or touching your mouth or nose.

What precautions can be taken?

·      At this time the recommended precautions are no different than at the beginning of any flu season and include:

o   Washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds or use a hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

o   Avoiding close contact with persons who are sick

·      If you are sick the following recommendations are advised:

o   Stay home from work or school.

o   Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

o   Wash hands and disinfect frequently touched items

Currently,  we are continuing to learn more about and identify preventative measures to limit exposure.  This includes attending informational meetings with the IDPH and CDC as well as ensuring our school is cleaned appropriately each day and night.

We are also exploring potential next steps, if a case would be identified in our communities.  In this case any decisions would be made in conjunction with the IDPH and local health agencies.  Possible actions may include:  cancelling school, cancelling large group activities, and potentially moving to e-learning opportunities to limit disruptions to educational services.

If you would like additional information, please take time to explore material shared by the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

AHSTW Superintendent

E-cigarettes and Vaping

E-cigarettes and Vaping

E-cigarettes and vaping have quickly become an epidemic across the nation for our youth.  The activity was initially marketed as a safe alternative and replacement for smoking and tobacco use.  However, we are quickly finding that E-cigarette use is anything but a safe alternative.  In fact, the addictive qualities and harmful effects are quite alarming.  For this reason, I want to share with you some of the facts about this harmful activity.

What are E-cigarettes and vaping?

·      E-cigarettes are an electronic device designed heat a liquid to produce a ‘vapor’ for the user to inhale.  The ‘vapor’ then delivers the nicotine into the user’s system.  The nicotine in an E-cigarette has the same addictive and harmful effects as any tobacco or nicotine product.

·      The vapor being inhaled is not a water vapor at all.  The inhaled compound is actually an aerosol.

·      E-cigarettes have an allure for our children, as they are flavored using a variety of flavors including:  fruit, chocolate, candy, and assorted sweets. 

o   Regulations are being proposed to limit this.  Even so, flavors may be able to be purchased on-line.  Purchasing this product on-line is another hazard for our students.

How do E-cigarettes work?

·      A battery is used to power each device.  The battery then activates an atomizer, which then heats the oil or liquid that is in a cartridge.  The liquid is heated to the point that it turns into an aerosol!  The aerosol is then inhaled.

What is in E-cigarette aerosol!

·      The aerosol is harmful, as the contents carry many chemicals and particles.  Those chemicals and particles include:  nicotine, extremely fine materials that are carried deep into the lungs, diacetyl, a chemical linked to very serious lung disease, and metals such as: tin, nickel, and lead.

What are the potential risks for our youth?

·      Brain Risks

o   Delayed brain development, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control.

·      Addiction

·      Behavior Risks

·      Increased use of two or more tobacco products

·      Lung disease

What do e-cigarettes look like?

·      Permanent Markers

·      Water enhancer packaging

·      Flash Drives for your computer

·      Pens

Alarming Data and Information!

·      Among high school cigarette smokers more than  7 out of 10 also use e-cigarettes.

·      E-cigarettes can be used to deliver other drugs.

·      E-cigarette vaping related lung disease can develop within 90 days of use.

·      In 2014, more than 7 of 10 middle and high school students said they had seen e-cigarette advertising. Retail stores were the most frequent source of this advertising, followed by the internet, TV and movies, and magazines and newspapers.

·      From 2017 to 2018, current e-cigarette use—defined by use on at least one day in the past 30 days—by high school students increased 78 percent, from 11.7 to 20.8 percent, accounting for a troubling 3.05 million American high school students using e-cigarettes in 2018. 

·      E-cigarette use among middle school students is also on the rise, jumping 48 percent from 2017 to 2018. Today, a total of 4.9 percent of middle school students—or 570,000 kids—are current e-cigarette users.

We hope you find this information helpful.  In the upcoming weeks, additional information, such as short videos, access to websites, and other informational documents will be shared.

Information presented and used in this document was found from the following resources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/2018-nyts-data-startling-rise-youth-e-cigarette-use

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html

U.S. Surgeon General: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/getthefacts.html