Latest Health Matters

The Great Outdoors

From late spring through to early autumn, we all start to venture outdoors to enjoy those precious moments of good weather. However, we are not the only ones…. Ticks too seem to enjoy the warmer weather. The Health Protection Agency is advising people to take care when visiting areas where ticks are present, to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of Lyme disease.

Ticks are tiny spider like creatures found in grassy or wooded areas. They attach themselves to passing animals (both domestic and wild) and people, whereupon they latch on for several days.

The Health Protection Agency has provided some guidelines on both prevention and treatment of tick bites.

TO PREVENT TICK BITES:
• Wear long sleeved tops and trousers which can be tucked into socks
• Avoid sandals and open toed shoes
• Use insect repellent
• Use tick collars and treatments on domestic pets
• Stick to paths and avoid walking through dense vegetation
• Inspect skin regularly, especially in skin folds, head and neck areas
• Check clothing for stray ticks
• Check pets regularly and thoroughly.

Many of our students are involved in outdoor pursuits such as Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh and I am sure a few of you enjoy camping. With these in mind I have attached some useful links on further prevention and treatment.
www.hpa.org.uk or www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/tickleaflet.pdf

Volcanic Ash

The Health Protection Agency is advising that the plume of volcanic ash currently trapped in the atmosphere above the United Kingdom is not a significant risk to public health because it is at high altitude. It is important to stress that the concentration of particles which may reach ground level is likely to be low and should not cause serious harm.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) advice:

Because small quantities of volcanic ash could float back up into the air in windy conditions it would be sensible for people with existing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma to ensure they keep their inhalers or other medications with them.

If people are outside and notice symptoms such as itchy or irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat or dry cough, or if they notice a dusty haze in the air or can smell sulphur, rotten eggs, or a strong acidic smell, they may wish to limit their activities outdoors or return indoors.

Any such health effects are likely to be short term. The Health Protection Agency, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and issue any further advice or updates as necessary.

Updates can be found at www.hpa.org.uk

With this advice in mind, we ask that all boys who suffer from existing respiratory conditions ensure that they have their inhalers on them at all time. We would also encourage you to supply a spare inhaler to the School Nurse. If your son is participating in the Iceland trip and suffers from asthma the advice from Asthma UK is to visit your asthma nurse or GP for reassessment prior to the trip.

Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus.  Unfortunately schools provide the perfect environment for children to mix and spread the virus. With this mind it is important that if your child shows any flu like symptoms you must keep him away from school and follow the Health Protection Agency guidelines listed below:

• If you have access to the internet you can check your symptoms using the NHS Direct symptom checker
• If you don't have access to the internet or are still concerned, call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 11513 100.  For those with internet access you can log onto the website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. The service uses a simple checklist to diagnose whether you have swine flu

• If it is thought you have swine flu then the NPFS can give you access to free anti-viral drugs if necessary. You will be given a voucher number and asked to arrange for a 'flu friend' to pick up your anti-viral drugs from a distribution point.

The NPFS is intended to take the pressure off NHS Direct and GPs who have seen a huge surge in the number of flu-related calls and consultations. Those who still wish to do so may contact their GP.

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

For further details on swine flu and returning to school, please CLICK HERE

QEH will continue to be led by the Health Protection Agency and the Local Authority with any issues regarding to Swine Flu or other infectious diseases.