We are aware that there have been a number of enquiries in terms of the handling of potential swine flu cases within schools.


Firstly, as you may be aware, the Secretary of State for Health announced on 2 July that the UK has moved to a treatment only phase, with immediate effect.  This means that the policy in place to treat and trace all close contacts of suspected cases, and to offer them treatment, has now ended.  This also means that GPs will now make a clinical decision based on the symptoms the patient is presenting with.


If a diagnosis of swine flu is made the person, being adult or child will be advised to remain at home and to complete a course of treatment.  The GP will provide the patient with advice on when they are able to return to the workplace or school.


In terms of ‘risk of infection’, the Health Protection Agency advises that unless you are in close contact (one meter or less) with an infected and symptomatic person for an hour or more then the risk of infection is extremely small.  Therefore unless the child attending school or staff member themselves are symptomatic they pose little risk to others.


The advice to the public is that if you think you have Swine Flu, you should in the first instance go online and check the symptoms on www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. 


If following this they feel they need medical advice then they should then telephone their GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.


People SHOULD NOT go to their GP surgery or A&E if they suspect they have swine flu.


At this point The Health Protection Agency has advised that there is no reason for schools to close and individual situations will continue to be monitored closely.


At this point we want to reassure you, your staff and parents that all necessary measures are being taken and there is no cause for concern.

                                                                                                                  



                

15 July, 2009



Dear Parents/Carers


We are aware that there has been an instance of a probable swine flu case at the school and want to reassure parents that following further advice today from both the Government and the Health Protection Agency there is no reason for the school to close.  School is following all the guidelines and procedures given by these professional agencies.


Children should continue to attend school unless they are experiencing ‘flu like’ symptoms.  If this is the case, then it is important to firstly check the symptoms on www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct.  If you are still concerned then you should telephone your GP, who will provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone and antivirals may be prescribed as a precaution.


School is experiencing similar issues as many other schools across Warrington and indeed, the rest of England.  Importantly, this flu virus is affecting communities, shops, factories and businesses. Consequently, it can be contracted whilst children are out playing, doing the shopping etc.  


In the majority of cases the symptoms are mild and can often be treated with the normal flu remedies and those who have had the virus have become well again within a few days.


I will write to you should there be any further guidance available but for now we would like to reassure you that we are taking all the necessary measures as advised by the Health Protection Agency


Yours sincerely,


Jeff Hughes

Headteacher


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