Swine Flu Symptoms :

The symptoms are flu-like. Onset is sudden and symptoms include a high temperature (over 38° C), weakness and fatigue,  cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.  Only your doctor can confirm a case of swine-flu.  If your child exhibits any of the symptoms of swine-flu, h/she should stay at home from school to avoid spreading infection to others. Contact your GP for advice on what to do next. If swine-flu is diagnosed the child should stay at home for seven days from the onset of symptoms, or until fully recovered. Parents should inform the school immediately  in the event of a case of swine-flu.

Prevention: 

Adopting a common-sense approach is recommended to minimise the impact on the school community. Preventing the introduction of the flu is the first and most important step.
The virus is spread from person- to- person. It spreads just like the normal seasonal flu in the following way:

• A virus will enter your nose and mouth and settle in your lungs
• When you cough or sneeze tiny virus particles shoot out from your lungs and into the surrounding area
• If other people are near you they may breathe in these tiny virus particles and become infected.
• Also, if you sneeze or cough into your hands everything you touch will now have the virus on it.
• If a person touches that surface with the virus on it, and then put their hands to their nose or mouth.
• The virus then enters their body by their nose or mouth and this cycle begins again.

How can I prevent myself or others from getting the flu:

• When you sneeze or cough, turn away from people and use a tissue- then throw it in the bin straight away
• If you don’t have a tissue, then sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm. Do not sneeze into your hands.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or rub your hands with anti-bacterial gel
• Encourage children to wash hands thoroughly. Washing hands should take the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”
• Clean all surfaces that are used regularly (e.g. worktops, desks, tables) with an anti-bacterial surface cleaner
•  Avoid close contact with people that might be ill
•  Improve the air-flow by opening windows
•  Practise good health habits to build up your immune system

-get adequate sleep
-eat 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day
-keep physically active