Parents' Association News - Archived

Pandemic ( H1N1)2009 ( Swine Flu) General Information for Parents

According to state authorities, Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Swine Flu) is now quite widespread in the community. Children are susceptible to this virus, and schools can be sites of further spread.

The key agency in relation to advice on a flu pandemic is the local Department of Public Health (HSE) and many of the decisions regarding advice and actions will be taken locally by personnel from that office.

Advice for Schools
Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are key measures that everyone should use at all times to prevent the transmission of the flu virus. These measures include, when coughing and sneezing:

• Turning one’s head away from other people
• Using a tissue to cover the mouth and nose
• Placing the used tissue in a waste bin.
• Washing hands, after disposing of a tissue, with soap and water.

The school’s hygiene procedures for pupils will be explained by each class teacher.
It is important that all parents and guardians support these by ensuring that

• Each child has an individual towel for hand drying.
• Towels are stored appropriately e.g. in wash bag and regularly taken home for laundering.
• Each child has a daily supply of tissues.
• Their child is aware that such facilities should not be shared with others.
• Children should cover the mouth and nose with a paper tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Students should use a tissue once only and should dispose of it quickly and carefully in the school bins.

Parents of children with particular susceptibilities such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or similar should seek advice on appropriate procedures from the child’s medical practitioner.
The Flu Line is on Freephone 1800 94 11 00.

Symptoms

• High Fever - temperature over 38ºC/100.4ºF
• Severe weakness and fatigue
• Dry cough
• Aching muscles and joints
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Vomiting / diarrhoea

Pupil presenting with symptoms of flu while at school

· Pupil is isolated and parent /guardian is contacted and asked to come and take him/her home.
· Pupil is advised to stay at home for a period of at least seven days to avoid spreading infection to others.
· All parents will be notified if a case of Swine Flu is confirmed and should contact their family doctor if their child/ren develop symptoms

As an extra precaution, antibacterial soap is being placed in the soap dispensers in all the school bathrooms.

Awareness posters have also been placed around the school.