JUST IN: Swine flu update (From Stroud News and Journal)

JUST IN: Swine flu update

4:54pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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Schools across the county will not close if pupils are confirmed to have swine flu.

Gloucestershire County Council is working with NHS Gloucestershire in implementing the current national policy and advice regarding school closures.

In line with Government guidance, schools closures are not necessary as we move from containment to treatment.

Gloucestershire County Council is keen to reinforce this message to ensure that all parents are aware of the current position.

Jo Grills, Director for learning and development, said: "Parents should not be unduly concerned, the actions being taken in Gloucestershire are in line with Department of Health guidance and closing schools at this stage will not stop the virus spreading.

“It is already present within our communities and people are being exposed to the virus as they go about their everyday lives.

"Precautions such as school closures are no longer effective at this point in time.

“It is important to stress that all those people who have been diagnosed as having swine flu in the county are experiencing mild symptoms and are recovering well.

"I would strongly advise parents to be vigilant and if their child shows symptoms of the virus they should keep them at home and seek medical advice."

Gloucestershire County Council, working with NHS Gloucestershire, has issued guidance to all 302 primary, secondary and special schools.

A number of schools have reported pupil absence due to flu-like symptoms.

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.

Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Gloucestershire will continue to work closely with the Health Protection Agency to provide advice to schools and will review plans on an ongoing basis.

Guidance issued to schools and parents includes: 〈⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇ Check symptoms using the online flu checker at www.nhs.uk or by calling the National Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.  If after checking your symptoms you think have swine flu, please stay at home and contact your GP by telephone. Your GP will advise you if antivirals are required and where these can be collected from.

〈⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇ 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 a diagnosed case.

〈⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇⊇ National guidance is that there is no longer a need to close a school when a child is diagnosed 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 the under-fives, pregnant women, those with low immunity and those with heart or lung problems.

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