Flu Pandemic

Update: 17th September:

The Panorama programme on 16th September talked about the vaccine for swine flu. The vaccine is not yet available to the public; it has not been fully tested and it has not yet been decided whether it should be offered as two jabs, three weeks apart, or just one jab, which ought to offer enough immunity. Once this has been agreed, and the government confirm who is to be given the vaccine, we will be able to ask for parental consent to give the vaccine to those under 16. Those over 16 are allowed to give consent themselves although we will seek to get parental consent for them too.

The College policy on dealing with a flu pandemic can be found here

We would like to remind parents to keep their children at home if they feel ill - especially at the start of the Michaelmas term. It is anticipated that the spread of Swine Flu is likely to be far greater as schools return from the summer holiday and the traditional flu season also begins.

Recent information in the media has indicated that a vaccine against swine flu will soon be available but priority will be given only to those most at risk (eg asthmatics). Meanwhile the College will be doing all it can to minimise any spread of the virus, through reminders to all about hygiene, as well increased supplies of gels, soaps etc.

Any pupil with flu like symptoms will be isolated and should ideally gohome until free of all symptoms. Overseas pupils should have a guardian to whom they can go if taken ill.

Parents might find the following helpful:

Swine flu is a feverish or flu-like illness with one or more of these symptoms: Cough, sore throat, headache, aching muscles, high temperature

If someone has some of these symptoms they should stay at home and ring their local doctor's surgery (do not go there) or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (Callers will receive a welcome message which advises them what to do if they are calling about Swine Flu. Calls will be answered by trained health advisors. Where appropriate, callers will be transferred to nurse advisors who will use a specially developed algorithm to assess their condition and advise the most appropriate course of action.)

The single most effective action anyone can take to protect themselves from infection is correct respiratory and hand hygiene practice. These simple steps have a major role to play in slowing the spread of any strain of influenza

- CATCH IT - Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- BIN IT - Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible
- KILL IT - Hands transfer germs to everything you touch. Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully. Wash you hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs. Clean hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

Useful information

Useful information from the NHS can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx

Advice and updates for travellers can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

Updates from the Health Protection Agency can be found at http://www.hpa.org.uk

Flu information line : 0800 1 513 513 -  telephone line provides pre-recorded information and advice about Swine Flu.

Information about access to private prescriptions for Tamiflu can be found at http://www.easyfluprotection.co.uk/index.php

eaw 
Updated 06/09/09