Beaconsfield Primary School

Beaconsfield Primary School
Beaconsfield Primary School slideshow

SWINE FLU

 

Dear Parent/Carers

Beaconsfield Primary School DOES NOT have any confirmed cases of swine flu.

We do have a number of pupils who have shown flu-like symptons and these pupils are not attending school.

Text from London Borough of Ealing:

There are currently suspected cases of Swine Flu at several schools within the London Borough of Ealing.  Please be reassured that most children will have a mild illness similar to normal seasonal flu, and will recover at home.

The illness may well spread to other schools in the coming weeks.  If your child becomes unwell with fever (38oC or greater) and other flu-like symptons (cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain or headache) please phone NHS direct on 0845 4647 or phone your own GP surgery.

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 Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.

If you or your child is assessed as having swine flu symptons you will be offered antiviral medication.  The PCT (Primary Care Trust) has set up an antiviral collection centre in the borough and is issuing medication to "flu friends" (people who are well and not experiencing symptoms) of patients.  People will only be able to attend the centre once they have been assessed by a doctor or other health professional.

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 usual.

In Ealing the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has already indicated that the virus is likely to be circulating in the community and therefore school closure would have no impact on reducing the spread of the virus. If the HPA advice changes on this matter, schools will be notified.  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 hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine flu.  This includes:

  • covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or handkerchief 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 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 general advice about the symptoms and stopping the spread please call the National Swine Flu advice line on 0800 1513 513.  For the most updated information for Ealing please visit the Ealing Grid for Learning:  www.egfl.org.uk or www.ealing.gov.uk.  For general information please visit www.nhs.uk   

Please do come and speak to staff in school if you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information or anything related to flu symptoms.  We would like to assure all parents/carers that at all times we are committed to keeping the school open whilst also preventing cross infections from occuring.  We receive updated advice daily from the locol authority and we are closely monitoring all absences.