swine flu november

H1N1 update                                                                                                                                                                      Sunday 1st November

Whilst the number of confirmed cases of children with the H1N1 virus remains very low, 12 across the school, we continue to be vigilant. Part of this vigilance involves keeping abreast of and sharing with the ICS community, any new information and advice regarding the H1N1 virus as soon as we receive it.

Following advice from the ministry, received Thursday afternoon, we no longer plan to close classes or year groups if we have 3 or more H1N1 cases. Classes will run as usual, children with confirmation of the H1N1 virus will need to be absent from school for between 3-5 days depending on the severity of their symptoms. If we have two cases in Nursery or Reception we will close for 3 days.

Siblings of children with the H1N1 virus will still be asked to remain at home for three days. Teachers will provide students with work during their absence; this can be sent by email.

The World Health Organization (WHO) have said that many people with swine flu only get mild symptoms, and they may find bed rest, drinking lots of water and over-the-counter flu remedies work for them. Its advice suggests that while antivirals should always be given in serious cases, they may not always be necessary for otherwise healthy people.

Please support us by continuing to encourage children to wash their hands regularly, use a tissue when they cough or sneeze and to stay at home if they have a high temperature (38 degrees or above). The ICS continue to monitor children closely whilst they are in school, if we are concerned about your child’s health our school nurse will contact you. Bathrooms, classrooms and shared areas continue to be equipped with antibacterial hand wash and gel.