The wonderful Peter Yang
NSW Health departmnt's advice on protecting children from Swine Flu
June 20th 2009 07:14
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED BY THE NSW STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
THIS WINTER FLU SEASON: KEY POINTS FOR SCHOOLS
What should we do about the flu this winter?
This winter, H1N1 influenza 09 (human swine influenza), along with other influenza viruses, will circulate in our community. Generally, the virus produces a mild disease in most, severe disease in some, and is a moderate illness overall.
This year it is also likely that many more people will be affected by influenza-like illness than in recent winter influenza seasons, because the community will have not have immunity to the H1N1 influenza 09 virus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza 09 are similar to seasonal influenza (fever, chills, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, or shortness of breath), and some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. H1N1 influenza 09 can sometimes result in a severe pneumonia. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Please be extra vigilant for any signs or symptoms of influenza-like illness in children or school staff.
What can be done to stop the spread of influenza?
Influenza is spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. All schools should remind staff and students about good hygiene practices and how to minimise the spread of infection. Instead of excluding people who may have been to an affected area or who have been in contact with a person with confirmed H1N1 Influenza 09, now any person with symptoms should remain at home until they are well.
There are several effective ways that students and staff can stop the spread of influenza.
Anyone who is sick with influenza symptoms should be advised to stay home until their symptoms are gone.
Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after use.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
If you or your child develops influenza-like illness, seek the advice of your family doctor as you would with any other illness.
Children with special needs
Children with special needs (such as chronic illnesses or neurological disorders) may be at higher risk of developing complications from all types of influenza this winter. These children should be encouraged to seek early medical advice if they become unwell with flu symptoms.
If your school specifically caters for children with special needs and there is a high level of flu-related absenteeism this winter, contact your local Public Health Unit for advice.
Boarding schools
Boarders with flu should be isolated from others until their symptoms resolve. If you have three or more boarders with flu, contact your local Public Health Unit for advice.
Information
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing swine influenza information hotline 1802007
NSW Health swine flu website
Really Long Link
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing - Health Emergency websit
www.healthemergency.gov.au
Staff of Department of Education (DET) schools can also see the DET intranet for further information, including infection control guidelines for schools.
Published by NSW Health - 18 June 2009
THIS WINTER FLU SEASON: KEY POINTS FOR SCHOOLS
What should we do about the flu this winter?
This winter, H1N1 influenza 09 (human swine influenza), along with other influenza viruses, will circulate in our community. Generally, the virus produces a mild disease in most, severe disease in some, and is a moderate illness overall.
This year it is also likely that many more people will be affected by influenza-like illness than in recent winter influenza seasons, because the community will have not have immunity to the H1N1 influenza 09 virus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza 09 are similar to seasonal influenza (fever, chills, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, or shortness of breath), and some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. H1N1 influenza 09 can sometimes result in a severe pneumonia. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Please be extra vigilant for any signs or symptoms of influenza-like illness in children or school staff.
What can be done to stop the spread of influenza?
Influenza is spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. All schools should remind staff and students about good hygiene practices and how to minimise the spread of infection. Instead of excluding people who may have been to an affected area or who have been in contact with a person with confirmed H1N1 Influenza 09, now any person with symptoms should remain at home until they are well.
There are several effective ways that students and staff can stop the spread of influenza.
Anyone who is sick with influenza symptoms should be advised to stay home until their symptoms are gone.
Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after use.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
If you or your child develops influenza-like illness, seek the advice of your family doctor as you would with any other illness.
Children with special needs
Children with special needs (such as chronic illnesses or neurological disorders) may be at higher risk of developing complications from all types of influenza this winter. These children should be encouraged to seek early medical advice if they become unwell with flu symptoms.
If your school specifically caters for children with special needs and there is a high level of flu-related absenteeism this winter, contact your local Public Health Unit for advice.
Boarding schools
Boarders with flu should be isolated from others until their symptoms resolve. If you have three or more boarders with flu, contact your local Public Health Unit for advice.
Information
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing swine influenza information hotline 1802007
NSW Health swine flu website
Really Long Link
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing - Health Emergency websit
www.healthemergency.gov.au
Staff of Department of Education (DET) schools can also see the DET intranet for further information, including infection control guidelines for schools.
Published by NSW Health - 18 June 2009
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