Pobalscoil Neasáin

The Pandemic H1N1, (more commonly referred to as Swine Flu), is a new flu virus which has been circulating worldwide since April 2009 and it’s incidence has been increasing since then.

We would like to take this opportunity to urge you to remind your children to carry and use disposable tissues, ( Catch It, Bin It, Kill It ! ), and hand sanitizers.

In the event where a doctor suspects your child has contracted Swine Flu, we would appreciate it if you would inform the school as soon as possible.

If my child has flu symptoms
According to HSE guidelines, students who present with symptoms should …

Stay at home and should remain in isolation for 7 days from the onset of symptoms.
Have as little contact with other people as possible – the advice is to have only one primary carer.
Phone GP or HSE flu information line for further advice : 1800 94 11 00

If a pupil is seen to have flu like symptoms while at school the pupil will be isolated and the parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to come and take him/her home. She/he should then follow the above guidelines.

Minimising the spread of H1N1 flu virus

• Carry tissues, use hand sanitisers.
• When coughing / sneezing cover nose and mouth with disposable tissue.
• Bin the tissue immediately after, wash / clean your hands
• Wash hands regularly and thoroughly using soap and water.
• Be aware of keeping surrounding areas clean and hygienic.
• Be more thorough about your personal hygiene.

Symptoms and Advice
Flu is an acute respiratory illness, which usually causes high fever, severe weakness and fatigue. It makes you feel very sick, more than a normal cold.
Does this flu spread easily? The new flu virus can spread quickly from person to person through tiny drops in coughs and sneezes. If you are close to a person with flu you can breathe them in and become infected. Droplets can also be passed from surfaces like door handles and hand rails.
How will I know if I have got this flu? The symptoms are like those of normal seasonal flu and include: fever that begins very suddenly, severe tiredness, a cough, a sore throat, aches and pains, a runny nose, and headache. Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea. While it is usually mild some people may develop complications such as pneumonia.
What are the differences between pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and the common cold? It can be difficult at times to distinguish between the common cold and influenza. The main difference is that the symptoms of influenza come on rapidly and are typically accompanied by muscle aches and a fever. The common cold has a more gradual onset and is associated with a runny nose and sneezing. An important additional feature of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is that diarrhoea and vomiting occur occasionally.

Further Information

For further information the HSE has established a 24 hour Flu Information Line. Freephone 1800 94 11 00 which provides up to date recorded information. You can also log onto www.hse.ie for further information. Other sources include the Department of Education website, www.education.ie which has links to other public health information.

Advice for Students click here

Advice for Parents click here