Health Protection Agency advises against closing Chiswick Community School

The first case of swine flu in Chiswick was confirmed this week.

A pupil of Chiswick Community School was diagnosed with the condition. Parents and carers were notified by a letter from the school on Thursday 2nd July.

The main symptoms of the illness are a high temperature, a runny nose, a sore throat, a cough and aches and pains.

As there has been a significant number of children in London with a flu-like illness, the Health Protection Agency advised that it was likely that transmission of the virus had already occurred within the school and local communities.

Because there was no added public health benefit from closing the school to contain the spread of the illness, it will remain open until the end of term.

Children with flu-like symptoms have been told to stay at home, not mixing with others outside the house until they have recovered.

General infection-control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses:
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintain good basic hygiene: wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product.
• Make sure your children follow this advice.

If you would like further information please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the Health Protection Agency website: .http://www.hpa.org.uk.

July 7, 2009