School alert as pair have swine flu virus (From Thisisdorset)

School alert as pair have swine flu virus

7:00pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A PARENT and pupil at Lytchett Matravers Primary School are among the latest to be diagnosed with swine flu as cases rise across the south.

Families were alerted yesterday by a letter from deputy headteacher David Dorrell, who said both people were being treated and were comfortable at home and that the school would be staying open.

“As swine flu is now circulating in the community, closing a school down would not necessarily prevent infection as people could still be exposed to the virus outside of the school setting,” Mr Dorrell explained.

“I would like to reassure you that... there is no need for panic or undue concern. The vast majority of swine flu cases in the UK have been mild and self-limiting and the infection is now widespread in many parts of the UK.”

Other schools similarly affe-cted have included Corfe Hills in Broadstone and Canford Heath Middle School in Poole.

Last week, the NHS gave up trying to contain swine flu to concentrate on treating it. Suspected cases are no longer being confirmed by laboratories.

A spokesman for NHS Bournemouth and Poole said: “We all need to be following the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ advice: catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, throw them away as soon as possible, and keep washing your hands.

“If anyone suspects they have swine flu, they should check their symptoms on nhs.uk; call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47; or the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513, mentioning any health condition. If they are still concerned, they should call their GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.”

He added: “It is important that people who think they have swine flu stay at home to help limit the spread. People should not go to A&E if they suspect that they have swine flu.”

The Health Protection Agency’s latest weekly update says the rate of GP consultations for people with flu-like illness has increased sharply, with the 5-15 age group the most affected. The rate is highest in the south of England.

So far 335 people in the country have been hospitalised because of swine flu and12 deaths have been reported, all in people with underlying health problems.

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