Swine Flu- Cases in Schools

08.07.2009

NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council are aware of a number of cases of schools reporting pupil absence due to swine flu. As the virus becomes more prevalent in the community an increase in the number of pupils across the county displaying flu-like symptoms is to be expected.

Guidance has been issued to schools as follows:

• If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home and seek medical advice (via the online flu checker at www.nhs.uk or calling the National Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 or contacting NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phoning your local GP).
• Inform the school in the normal way that your child is staying at home with flu-like symptoms.
• Staff or children without symptoms should be in school – even if they have had contact with someone displaying flu-like symptoms
• National guidance is that there is no longer a need to close a school when a child is confirmed with swine flu.
• Schools need to continue their efforts to promote good hygiene and effective cleaning. Children should be encouraged to follow Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.
• Schools should let staff and parents know when there is a diagnosed case, so that everyone is aware of the potentially higher risks for certain vulnerable groups – this includes under-fives, pregnant women, those with low immunity and those with heart or lung problems.