H1N1 Flu Update

As you may be aware from the news, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the status of the H1N1 virus to a pandemic and that also in the news several schools have been affected. Whilst we hope that this will not affect us we do think it is important to alert you to this and outline the schools policy and procedures.  If you wish to see the full policy, please contact the school.

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.   The WHO has determined that the H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. The transmission is the same as normal influenza.

Basic Tips for Prevention

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell with symptoms- i.e. fever, fatigue coughing and sore throat

• Practice good hand hygiene. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading infection to others.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water ensuring all of the surfaces of the hands are cleaned.  Once washed, dry your hands thoroughly with a clean dry towel.  If soap and water is unavailable use a hand sanitizer.

• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent spreading infection to others – Cover the mouth and nose with a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing. Turn the head aside at the same time, away from others, or from food or drink. This is a polite and healthful thing to do. By using your handkerchief you help to prevent others from being sprayed by the tiny drops of moisture that are forced out of the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands.

• Regular disinfection of hand contact surfaces such as door handles, taps/faucets and light switches is recommended.

Summary of School Policy

• If parents / staff / students are showing symptoms as described above, they should seek medical attention and alert the school.  They should not come into school until they have been allowed to do so by their doctor.

• If a child / member of staff show the above symptoms whilst at school, the school nurse will assess the individual and alert the parents and school management. The school reserves the right to assess all students / staff who have come into contact with the individual during the past 24 hours at school. If necessary, the school would then monitor students, staff and visitors on entry to the school (under WHO and MOE guidelines).

• If the school needs to close then parents and staff will be contacted by email and SMS.  The school will provide work for all students via the school website for as long as the school is closed during term time.

If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact myself or the other Heads of school or arrange to speak with the school nurse – Khun Som. As stated at the start of the letter we hope that this will not be a cause of concern, but we wish you to know that we are prepared.

David Lowder
Headteacher

 

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand

http://www.who.int/en/

http://eng.moph.go.th/

http://www.moph.go.th/