Herefordshire pupils diagnosed with swine flu (From Hereford Times)

Herefordshire pupils diagnosed with swine flu

9:41am Friday 10th July 2009 in Swine Flu By Mark Bowen

A SMALL number of pupils at schools and nurseries in Herefordshire have been diagnosed with swine flu.

NHS Herefordshire and Herefordshire Council have received reports of single numbers of pupils diagnosed with swine flu in a handful of institutions. In some cases other family members have been diagnosed.

Further guidance was issued to management from the directors of public health and children’s services yesterday.

NHS Herefordshire says for the majority the illness is moderate and there is no need for schools to close if pupils or staff are diagnosed.

The PCT has not named the schools so they can reassure pupils, parents and staff.

But a statement on the website for Aylestone Business and Enterprise College confirmed that a pupil had been sent home with suspected swine flu.

Parents are advised to contact their doctor or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 if they spot symptoms including fever and one of the following: cough, headache, runny noses, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or sore throat.

There are simple steps to protect yourself from viral infections.

These include: • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue if possible.

• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly.

• Washing hands frequently.

• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) using a normal cleaning product.

• Making sure children follow this advice.