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Swine flu: schools and educational settings

Classroom

This section contains advice relating to schools. See below for our schools Q&A and guidance documents.  Further information can also be obtained from the Department of Children, Schools and Families
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/educationoverview/
flupandemic/

While most children have a mild illness, children with a serious underlying condition have an increased risk of severe illness. New guidance on prophylaxis for people with a serious underlying condition is available on the DH website.

The HPA has reviewed emerging evidence on the clinical course of swine flu in a risk groups and has issued new guidance for children with special needs in mainstream schools  and in special schools. 

Why is the school still open if there are children with swine flu?

School closures and the distribution of antiviral medicines for prevention are not recommended at this time because the virus is widespread within the community.  People are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the virus in their every day lives, closing a school will no longer be effective in slowing the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.

In some special circumstances for example a school with children who are particularly vulnerable to infection, school closures might still be recommended.

Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some immunity in case this comes back more seriously?

This is good evidence that in the majority of swine flu patients the disease is generally mild, but it is also proving severe in a small minority of cases. It is preferable to avoid exposure to the virus if possible, which also helps to protect higher-risk groups from unnecessary risk. However, children should not be kept off school if they are well and their school is open.

What can schools and parents do to slow the spread?

By practising good hygiene everyone can play their part and help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
  • Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
  • Make sure children follow this advice.
  • Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

If you think you may have swine flu, you should check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk, or call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS): 0800 1 513 513 for information;  0800 1 513 100 for treatment.  If you are still concerned you should call your GP.


 

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