A teacher at a Highbridge school has this week become the first local person to contract suspected Swine Flu.
A warning letter was distributed to parents of pupils at St John’s School on Tuesday afternoon (July 7th), signed by acting headteacher Claire Nurse.
In it, she writes: “We are writing to let you know that a member of staff in the school has been diagnosed as suffering from suspected Swine Flu. They are being treated and are recovering well.”
She added: “The school has been liaising with the Dorset and Somerset Health Protection Unit and NHS Somerset. The school will remain open as usual.”
“As Swine Flu is now circulating in the community, closing a school down would not necessarily help as people could still be exposed to the virus outside the school.”
“Children who have symptoms suggestive of a flu-like illness should stay away from school until they are completely well or advised they can return by a medical professional.”
Claire Nurse added in her letter: “The vast majority of Swine Flu cases in the UK have been mild and self-limiting.”
“Some groups are at higher risk including those with long-term medical conditions such as chronic liver, lung, heart and kidney disease, people with asthma who have taken medication within the last three years, diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression, and pregnant women, under 5s and over 65s.”
“It is important that people in a high risk group start taking anti-virals as soon as possible if they have Swine Flu diagnosed by a medical professional. If your child shows any signs of flu-like symptoms with a fever, aches and pains and a cough, cold or runny nose, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or the Swine Flu information line on 08001 513 513. If you are still concerned, please phone your GP surgery for advice.”
St John’s School, pictured, is based in Burnham Road and has 229 pupils in the 7-11 age group.
There was a similar alert earlier this year in Highbridge at King Alfred School when a pupil was tested for Swine Flu after showing some symptoms, however her tests proved to be negative.
RELATED LINKS:
Video: NHS advice on how to prevent Swine Flu spreading [External link]
NHS questions and answers about Swine Flu [External link]
NHS leaflet giving useful tips and information about Swine Flu [External link]
