Human Influenza Pandemic

 9^th July 2009

Dear Parent/Carer

Re: probable swine flu case

This is to inform you that we have been notified of a probable case of swine flu in school. We would like to reassure parents that most of the reported cases of Swine Flu in the United Kingdom have been mild and people have recovered fully following treatment.

We have discussed the situation with health experts at the Health Protection Agency and Manchester Primary Care Trust.

The advice from health experts is that all pupils and members of staff should continue to attend school as normal, providing they are well.

Anyone who has a fever and flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or their GP by phone for advice. They should not go to school or work, and should only attend health settings such as GP surgeries or hospital A&E departments if advised by a health professional to do so.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of ordinary flu. They include fever, chills, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, aching muscles and joints. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

How is swine flu spread?

The virus that causes swine flu can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. It is thought that spread of the new flu virus occurs in the same way as seasonal flu i.e.

• From person to person by coughing or sneezing – usually flu is only spread in this way if a person is very close to a person with flu symptoms (usually less than 1 metre away).
• From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from someone infected with flu.

How can swine flu be prevented?

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. 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 your face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product

Further information on swine flu

For more details call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

Information can also be obtained from the swine flu information leaflet that has been sent to all households in the country. This leaflet can also be obtained electronically from the Department of Health’s website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

Further information is also available on the NHS direct and Health Protection Agency websites at:

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.hpa.org.uk

I am most grateful for the support and understanding of parents. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely

Mr Watson

Headteacher

Filed by scannali at 1:06 pm under Information
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The school has completed a Pandemic Flu Plan following guidelines from the Department for Children Schools and Families.

If we are advised to, the school will close, please try to plan for this as much as you can.

We will communicate with parents by letter, text message, our website and through Radio Key 103 (103 fm) and GMR (95.1 fm)

Please see the information provided by the Department for Children Schools and Families.

Filed by scannali at 9:30 am under Information
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