Friday, 17 July 2009

SWINE FLU AT SCHOOL

I am writing to inform all families that, today, we have been alerted that a pupil in class JC has suspected swine flu. The child is being treated by the doctor with ‘Tamiflu’.

Repeated below is some of the information sent to all families on 13 July:

It is important that children who are ill with swine flu are kept away from school for a period of 7 days from the date that they develop symptoms.

Parents should keep an eye on children who have had contact with a swine flu case at school, for a period of 7 days from the last contact. The symptoms to look out for are a high fever [temperature above 38 C] with a mixture of other flu like symptoms such as headache, aching muscles, cough, runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Swine flu is very unlikely to develop after this 7 day incubation period and symptoms are most likely to start after 2 to 4 days.

If you or your child develops symptoms of flu-like illness the advice of the Health Protection Agency is to stay at home and contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. They will then advise you accordingly. Please do let us know if your child is being treated for these symptoms.

If a child is diagnosed by the GP as suffering from swine flu you can be assured that he/she is receiving the appropriate medical care and is recovering at home.

Good basic hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Making sure your children follow this advice.

For more information on swine flu call the national information line on 0800 1 513 513. Alternatively, visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk.