Swine flu information
Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 5:50pm
Swine Flu: Important information for parents and carers
Three children in the White City area have tested positive for Swine Flu. We are writing to assure you that the schools the children attend are working closely with the health agencies and the local authority, and are following all the advice they are being given.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is co-ordinating the response to Swine Flu across the country and is responsible for confirming cases and for advising schools on any action they should take.
The HPA have confirmed that two pupils who attend Bentworth Primary School have tested positive and are recovering well at home. Classmates and teachers of one child who had been unwell while at school were provided with preventive medication (Tamiflu).
The HPA has advised that the school can stay open. Like other parts of London and the UK, when a school pupil is confirmed with swine flu the HPA carries out a risk assessment and advises the school on the appropriate action. There is not an automatic need to close schools or provide Tamiflu.
An additional case has been confirmed in a child who attends Canberra Primary School. The HPA has advised that, as this child was not in school while infectious, the school should not close and no Tamiflu distribution is needed.
After the confirmation of the first positive case at Bentworth on Monday evening (15 June), the school and the HPA prepared a letter that was sent to all parents the following morning. And at Canberra school, confirmation was received on Wednesday afternoon (17 June) and a letter went home to every parent the same day.
We understand that some parents are very concerned about this news and some are keeping their children at home. We are reassured that the two children at Bentworth have had only mild illness and are recovering quickly. Furthermore health agencies were able to quickly supply Tamiflu to all the children who might have come into contact with the infection.
If your child becomes unwell with flu-like symptoms (including high temperature and any two of the following symptoms: cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or vomiting) please ensure that they stay at home and that you contact your GP as soon as possible for a telephone assessment to determine whether they require investigation or treatment for Swine Flu.
Good basic hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including Swine Flu. This includes:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Making sure your children follow this advice.
If you have any further concerns, please contact your child's school or your own GP. There is also some excellent advice on the local NHS website at http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx (opens new window). Alternatively phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Tuesday June 16, 2009 at 1.18pm
Two cases confirmed at Bentworth primary
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that two pupils attending Bentworth Primary School have tested positive for the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu).
The pupils have a mild illness, are receiving the appropriate medical care and are recovering well at home.
Following a risk assessment the HPA and the local NHS Primary Care Trust have advised that a preventative course of the antiviral drug Tamiflu will be offered to the staff and children who have been in direct contact with the cases when infectious.
The HPA have advised that, as there is no evidence of transmission of the virus within the school, it is not currently necessary to close the school, or to offer Tamiflu to other classes.
The school is working closely with the HPA, NHS Hammersmith and Fulham and the council to monitor the situation.
Tuesday April 28, 2009 [updated Tue June 16]
The council is working with the Primary Care Trust and the Health Protection Agency to ensure that Hammersmith & Fulham is prepared for any outbreak of swine flu locally.
If you have come into contact with someone who has Swine Flu and you are feeling unwell with a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you should stay at home and contact your GP by phone or seek advice from NHS Direct (opens new window) on 0845 46 47. Do not go to your GP's surgery or hospital unless there is an emergency, as you may pass on the illness to others.
Latest information on flu (external sites, open in new windows):
Hammersmith & Fulham Primary Care Trust
For more health advice visit NHS choices
For latest news updates visit the BBC news pages
Also useful: The Health Protection Agency website and Local Directgov
