Latest Health Matters

Gastronentritis

There have been a few reports of Diarrhoea (both viral and bacterial) and vomiting in the school.

Just to remind you: if your child suffers from either, please keep him off school for at least 48 hours after his symptoms stop. He should also refrain from swimming for 2 weeks. Not only does this allow your son time to fully recover but it also helps prevent the virus from spreading.

Please also contact either the school office or the school nurse so that we can monitor trends.

The school will continue to promote good hand hygiene and hope that helps keeps numbers down and would like to ask you to support this at home.

http://www.washyourhandsofthem.com/
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

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.