Swine flu fears at Academy

Oct 8 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

LINLITHGOW Academy was at the centre of a possible swine flu outbreak this week, after 290 pupils were reported absent yesterday (Wednesday).

Out of this number 135 students reported flu-like symptoms and Linlithgow Primary had also reported a high number of absences.

NHS Lothian no longer tests for cases of swine flu and anyone who has flu-like symptoms is advised to contact their GP by telephone.

West Lothian Council wrote to all parents and carers of pupils in the area to give them advice on dealing with symptoms, following the unusually high number of absences.

The letter urged all parents and carers to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical advice if symptoms develop, if their child has underlying health issues or if they are concerned about their child’s health.

West Lothian Council’s director of education, Gordon Ford said: “We have taken the decision to write to all parents and carers in the Linlithgow area as a precaution.

“Clearly, there is a high incidence of flu in the school community and we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the symptoms and that they should seek medical advice if their child shows signs of developing flu.

“We are following government guidance on managing this outbreak and there are no plans to close schools at this time, and all children who are not showing symptoms should continue to attend as normal. School closures will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, for example, if enough staff are off sick to mean that we cannot safely open the school. We will alert parents and carers if this were to happen.”

Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health, NHS Lothian, said the health board was working closely with the council and the situation was being closely monitored.

“Most people experience mild symptoms and make a full recovery,” she said. “Practicing good hand and personal hygiene will help reduce the spread of the virus.

“Parents should make sure their children are washing their hands regularly, and that they cover their nose and mouth, with a tissue if possible, when coughing or sneezing, .

“If you think that you, or your child, might have Influenza A H1N1 you should contact your GP by phone or call NHS24 on 08454 242424.”

Symptoms of swine flu are largely the same as those for normal flu, and include a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms:

l headache;

lrunny nose;

lsore throat;

lshortness of breath or cough;

lloss of appetite;

laching muscles;

ldiarrhoea or vomiting.

The council is following government advice on what to do if your child or anyone in your household develops a flu-like illness and you are concerned over their symptoms. Stay at home and seek medical advice either by contacting NHS 24 or telephoning your GP.

Mr Ford continued: “Children who have symptoms of flu-like illness should stay away from school and as far as possible not mix with others until they have recovered and are free of symptoms.

“If a child exhibits flu-like symptoms whilst at school he or she will be isolated until arrangements can be made to send the child home.

“This is to minimise the spread of infection. Contacts (for example brothers, sisters and friends) of infected children who do not have symptoms can still go to school or nursery as usual.”