St. Michael’s C. of E. Aided Primary School

 

16 July 2009

Dear Parents/Carers

You will be aware from the press of the outbreaks of Swine Flu.  I am writing to let you know the position with this school.

As of today there has been a suspected case of H1N1 swine flu reported in a child who attends St. Michael’s school. The child has a mild illness and is making a good recovery.

As a result of the levels of positive cases across East Berkshire this area has been designated as a ‘hotspot’ which gives Berkshire East PCT the freedom to pragmatically manage the outbreak locally.

We will be keeping a close eye on any developments and will monitor flu like illness within school, any child thought to be unwell will be isolated and parents/guardians will be contacted to collect their child.  Similarly please notify us of any absences from school due to flu like illnesses, specifically those with a temperature of 38 degrees or more.

Once away from school, for any child who develops symptoms their parent/guardian should use the following for advice:

•          1st: Visit the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) for information and FAQs about swine flu. There is an online flu symptom checker on both www.nhs.uk and www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

•          2nd: Ring the national Swine Flu Information Line (0800 1513513). This provides pre-recorded information about swine flu.

•          3rd: Call the NHS Direct telephone service (0845 4647). Callers with flu like symptoms, who have internet access, will be asked to try the online flu symptom checker first. If necessary, they will be able to request a call back from an advisor. Otherwise callers are asked to hold to speak to someone who can help.

•          4th: Contact your GP over the phone who will give the local East Berkshire flu line number.

Anyone with symptoms should self isolate and limit their contact with others, this includes refraining from visiting their GPs or A&E department.

Children who have no symptoms but have had contact with probable or confirmed cases in social or community settings do not need to be excluded from school.  They should continue their normal daily routines.

It is important to remember that flu is usually spread from one person to another when an infected person has symptoms (i.e. coughing and sneezing). The H1N1 virus stays live for up to 24 hours on flat surfaces so it is important that all children are briefed on the use of correct soap and water hand washing techniques.

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand 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.

   

• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.

   

• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

   

• Making sure your children follow this advice.

   

The school will operate as normal and will not need to close.  However, if the situation changes, you will of course be informed.  Updates will also be placed on the school website.

Yours sincerely

Antoinette Flannigan

Headteacher