Welcome to Craigiebarns Primary School
We hope you will find the website useful as it will include newsletters, holiday and event dates and generally many items which will have been sent home via your child - but which may not have actually reached parents' hands.
Enjoy your visit!
Julie Lemon
Head Teacher
INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS
SEASONAL FLU
This information sheet gives advice to parents about influenza (flu). We are currently experiencing the normal seasonal flu outbreak and different flu viruses are now circulating in the community at normal levels for this time of year. Most are Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (swine flu) which was the cause of the flu pandemic last season. There is no need for alarm, but parents should remain vigilant. There are steps that all parents and carers can take to help protect their child.
What is Flu?
This is an infection caused by the influenza virus and is worse than a heavy cold.
Symptoms include:
· Headache
· High fever and shivers
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Aching muscles and joints
Unlike the ‘common cold’ it usually starts suddenly. Most people will get better after between two and seven days of developing the virus, but some people can take weeks to recover fully. It can develop into very serious illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. In these cases people may need treatment and possibly be admitted to hospital.
How is flu spread ?
Flu spreads quickly and easily from person to person. This can happen in two ways, either directly and indirectly:
· Directly through droplets released from infected individuals by talking, sneezing or coughing. These, can enter the body through nose, mouth or eyes.
· Indirectly through hands touching contaminated surfaces or equipment
Can I help reduce the spread?
You and your child can reduce the likelihood of spreading the flu virus by:
· covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
· using a tissue
· disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully in a bin liner and putting this in the household waste bin
· washing hands frequently (followed by drying thoroughly) with soap and warm water - cleansing hand rubs can be used as long as the hands are not visibly dirty.
This advice is summarised as:-
What should I do if my child develops flu symptoms?
Seasonal flu will cause mild illness that can safely be managed at home for the vast majority of patients. If parents are worried about their child's flu or if they have an underlying medical condition (such as a chronic heart or chest complaint, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity to disease) they should contact NHS24 on
08454 24 24 24 or their GP for advice and assessment.
If my child has flu, should my other children stay off school?
Only pupils and staff with symptoms of flu should stay away from school until recovered. People living in the same house as someone with flu should go about their normal lives without restrictions. If however they have an underlying medical condition (such as a chronic heart or chest complaint, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity to disease) they could be at greater risk from the complications of flu and should seek medical advice from their doctor.
Should my child be vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended for children who have an underlying medical condition (such as a chronic heart or chest complaint, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity to disease). If your child has an underlying medical condition and has not already been vaccinated, parents should contact their general practice for advice on how to get the vaccination.