16th November 2009
Dear Parent or staff member,
This letter is to update you on the situation with regards to Swine Flu.
We have had five confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Parsloes Primary School, who are being treated for Influenza A/H1N1 virus or “swine flu”. There are likely to be further children with similar symptoms who are presumed to have the same illness.
The Health Protection Agency has provided advice to the school. As there have been a significant number of children in the community with flu-like illness it is likely that transmission of the virus has already occurred in the school and the community. Therefore there would be no added public health benefit from closing the school.
Please be reassured that most children will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu, and will recover. If you are concerned about your child, please phone your GP for advice.
It is very important that your child stays at home if they have flu-like symptoms, and only return to school when fully well. Your child should not attend school and not mix with others outside the home if they have symptoms. Those who do not have symptoms of flu can undertake their normal activities outside home as normal. If your child has already had symptoms of flu but is now well, there is no need to take any action for you or your family.
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. 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
If you would like further advice please contact either NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit our website http://www.hpa.org.uk/
Yours faithfully,
The London Flu Response Centre team
