Year 6 pupil diagnosed, others with symptoms
One child from Year 6 has tested positive for Influenza A/H1N1
virus or “swine flu” and several more are suspected of having the illness.
Letters have been sent to staff and parents of children at the Grange Primary school in Ealing confirming the news.
The Health Protection Agency says there would be no benefits from closing the school as it is likely that transmission of the virus has already occurred.
The advice to parents reads as follows;
Please be reassured that most children will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu,
and will recover at home without needing treatment. However if your child becomes severely
unwell with fever (38oC or greater) and flu-like symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose,
limb/joint pain or headache) please ring 0208 825 7202 or contact your GP for further
advice.
It is very important that your child stays at home if they have flu-like symptoms. 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 of the
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
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