Health Matters

14 Sep 2009

by:

HEALTH MATTERS


The minister for Health and Social Services has asked me to include the following message from her in my first newsletter:


‘Over the summer period we have continued to see cases of measles and mumps presenting in the community. There are many children who remain unvaccinated in our area so we may see further cases over the coming months. May I take this opportunity to remind you that the only way to control these diseases is for children to be fully protected by receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. If your child has missed one or both doses of MMR, or has missed any of the other pre-school immunisations, you can arrange for him or her to have them through your GP.’                                                                                            


Swine Flu update

I hope the following information answers any worries or queries you may have regarding swine flu:

Please remember that if your child is ill with flu like symptoms you must keep them at home until they are fully recovered. Siblings and other household members who are well can continue to come to school. With swine flu circulating within the wider community, public health advice states that closing the school will not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school. Symptoms of flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles, sneezing, fatigue, runny nose and lack of appetite. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrohea.

For most children swine flu is a mild illness. However, if you think you or your child may have flu and want to check the symptoms call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.

 

Everyone can play their part in reducing the spread of flu by practicing good hygiene:

  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
  • Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
  • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
  • Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
  • Making sure children follow this advice.

 

You are also welcome to contact the school if you have any worries or concerns – we are here to help you.

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