|
Dear Parent/Carer,
We were informed yesterday, Thursday June 25th, that one of our Year 10 pupils has been diagnosed with swine flu. The pupil's doctor says he has only mild symptoms and that in his professional opinion there is no need for any special or emergency measures to be taken. The pupil is being treated as though he has "ordinary" flu. I have spoken to the pupil this morning and the news is that the pupil is "on the road to recovery". The pupil sounded well. The doctor suggested that we post the swine flu leaflet on the website so that everyone is aware. This has been done. His advice to parents is to be vigilant and, should anyone display any symptoms to keep them at home and phone your GP for advice. Please contact school if this should be the case with your child. We have also contacted the appropriate personnel in the local authority and they have agreed that we have acted correctly and taken all necessary precautions. I have also contacted a neighbouring school which had a similar concern three weeks ago and I have ensured that we follow the same procedures as they did. Below is a letter from Dr Mark Strong, with whom we have been liaising.
Dear Parent/Carer
We are writing to inform you that a child in school has been diagnosed with the new flu illness (sometimes known as swine flu) that is circulating at the moment. The child is receiving treatment and is recovering well.
We have taken advice from the South Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, and we want to reassure you that there is no need for concern. This new flu is proving to be a mild disease, and most affected children are poorly for just a few days. Although in some schools it appears to have spread quite rapidly between the children, there is now evidence that this flu is spreading through the community outside schools. For this reason, closing the school is very unlikely to help stop the spread of the flu virus.
Because there is only one pupil at the school with the new flu, and no evidence of spread within the school, the Health Protection Unit are not recommending that our pupils are given anti-viral medicine as a prophylaxis. Anti-viral medicine is not a vaccine and does not give long term protection against the flu.
We ask that you keep a close eye on your child for the next few days and if they have symptoms of flu to keep them at home, let us know at the school, and contact your own GP or NHS Direct (0845 4647) for advice.
The symptoms of flu are:
- Fever, usually of 38°C or above, PLUS two of the following symptoms
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose
- Muscle aches and pains
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell with flu.
Health Protection Registrar
South Yorkshire Health Protection Unit
The following is an extract from the leaflet which is on the school website. Please contact school should you have any concerns. I would reiterate that there is no need for panic or undue concern. We are seeking simply to cover all eventualities
When you cough or sneeze it is especially important to follow the rules of good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs:
Always carry tissues.
Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
Bin the tissues after one use.
Wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel often.
There’s a simple way to remember this:
CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT.
Yours sincerely,
Mr R Everitt
Deputy Headteacher
|
