Swine flu and schools

Published Saturday 27th June 09

Some children have been confirmed as having swine flu or are experiencing flu-like symptoms but the Health Protection Agency has not recommended the closure of any school in Enfield.

There is good evidence that in the majority of swine flu patients the infection is generally mild, but it can be more serious in a small minority of cases where there are underlying medical conditions.

The school may need to contact you at short notice, for example if your child falls sick during the day. This is why it is so important that contact details, for you and any one else who looks after your child, are kept up to date.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why our schools are kept open?

There was an initial decision by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to close schools to contain the spread of the virus. However, the virus is circulating within the community and closing schools would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school. For example, where the virus has spread in a community and there is regular mixing with family and close friends outside of the school, closure would not slow the spread of the virus.

There is a case in our school - why is it still open?

If there has been a confirmed case of swine flu at your school, the HPA will perform a thorough risk assessment. Every risk assessment is judged against the same principles but the HPA also takes into account the local circumstances before making a recommendation. In Enfield the school will remain open as the virus is circulating within your community, closing the school would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.

Should I keep my child away from school when there are cases of the virus at the school, to prevent them from catching it?

No. Unless your child is unwell or showing flu like symptoms they should continue to attend school. The normal duty to send your child to school still applies.

What if my child is showing flu like symptoms or is generally unwell?

You should treat this as with any other illness, keep your child at home and contact the school to advise them. 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 not attend health settings such as GP surgeries or hospital A&E departments. If you have further concerns about your child's health you should contact your GP.

What if a member of the family is ill but other members are well and showing no symptoms?

Children and adults displaying no symptoms should continue to attend school or work as usual. They do not need to stay at home unless they become unwell.

What if there are other underlying health issues?

It is not possible to give general advice on this matter. You should seek specific advice from your GP and/or Medical Consultant.

Why are schools in other boroughs closing?

There was an initial decision to close schools to contain the spread of the virus, however, the virus is circulating within the community. Closing schools in Enfield would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside school.

Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some immunity in case this comes back more seriously?

There is good evidence that in the majority of swine flu patients the disease is generally mild, but it is also proving severe in a small minority of cases. It is preferable to avoid exposure to the virus if possible, which also helps to protect high-risk groups from unnecessary risk. However, children should not be kept off school if they are well and their school is open.

What can schools and parents do to slow the spread?

The advice to people with flu-like symptoms remains the same. 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 not attend health settings such as GP surgeries or hospital A&E departments. For more details call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

You should also note the General Advice below.

Should schools continue to hold sports day, fetes, after school clubs etc.?

All events should continue as normal.

ALL THE ABOVE ADVICE APPLIES TO EARLY YEAR SETTINGS. THE LOCAL AUTHORITY IS PROVIDING ADVICE TO ALL MANAGERS WITHIN THESE SETTINGS.

GENERAL ADVICE TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

Everyone can play their part by practising good hygiene:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Making sure children follow this advice.

It is extremely important that everyone follows the basic hygiene practices in the "Catch It, Bin It, Kill It" Campaign. To help prevent the spread of infection it is recommended that everyone uses tissues to catch sneezes, throws used tissues away, and remembers to regularly wash their hands to kill the virus.

As swine flu continues to spread, it is inevitable that local outbreaks will occur. NHS Enfield and Enfield Council are working closely together to contain the spread of swine flu and to ensure Enfield residents get effective and timely access to information, medication and care.

For general information contact the swine flu information line on: 0800 1513 513.

If a person has flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 08454647 or phone their GP.

How can I find out more?

The latest health information on swine flu or influenza A (H1N1), can be found at the following websites and a useful guide book which gives excellent hygiene advice and information on what to do if you begin to display flu like symptoms is available here: