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Update on flu outbreak

 

Last updated: 3pm, 23 June 2009

Following the World Health Organisation's recent declaration of a worldwide flu pandemic, you may now have heard that there have been a small number of cases in the town, including two pupils at Grappenhall Heys Primary School.

Throughout this incident, the primary school has sought advice from the Health Protection Agency and has been advised that the school should not close. As a precautionary measure, a number of pupils and staff who have had significant contact with the pupils have been given antiviral medication. The advice remains that the school should stay open, although we will keep the situation under review.

However, it is important to note that neither the increase in alert levels nor the incidence of swine flu in Warrington signal any major changes to what we are doing. The advice is that there is no need to panic and that the risk of any infection spreading is very low.

In Warrington , we've been preparing for a flu pandemic for the last few years so we are very well placed to cope if the virus spreads. In the event that the situation develops locally, we will be looking to maintain 'essential' services and we will keep you updated here as the situation changes.

For now, it remains as 'business as usual' and staff should continue to take all sensible precautions to maintain good hygiene and follow the HPA's advice ( www.hpa.org.uk ) on how to minimise the spread of infection. 

More information about the swine flu virus, including how to spot the symptoms and what to do if you feel unwell, is available from Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 or on the NHS Direct website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk . If you or your child becomes symptomatic call your local GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. For information about travelling overseas, you can also check out updates on the Foreign Office website.


What can I do?

It is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene, such as:

  • covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
  • disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
  • maintaining good basic hygience, washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people
  • cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
  • making sure any children follow this advice.

You can also prepare now by:

  • Confirming a network of ‘flu friends' – friends and relatives – who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus.
  • Knowing your NHS number and those of other family members and keeping them in a safe place. It is not essential to have your NHS number in order to receive treatment, but it can help NHS staff to find your health records. You will be able to find your NHS Number on your medical card or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letter or hospital appointment card/letter. 
  • Making sure you have adequate quantities of cold and cough remedies in your medicine cupboard in case you or your family are affected by swine flu.

What should I do if I think I'm infected?

If you have flu-like symptoms or if you are concerned because you think you have been in contact with someone who may have swine flu:

  • Stay at home.
  • Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice

If you are still concerned, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others. Ask your flu friend to go out for you.