Swine Flu Update: 1330 on Thursday 2 July

Update at 1330 on Thursday 2 July

There have been a couple of further suspected cases of the H1N1 virus in the school community and these are now being treated by the Health Protection Agency immediately rather than having to wait for swab results. 

Update at 1330 on Wednesday 1 July

There has been no change to advice or imformation. Please see below for the most up-to-date information from the HPA. 

Update at 0930 on Tuesday 30 June  

It has now been confirmed by the HPA that a student in the school had H1N1. The student was isolated immediately the symptoms were known and is now well.

Please find attached update information from the Health Protection Agency on the H1N1 virus.  Having specifically requested information as to whether the school should close, we have been told that this is not necessary, but any pupils or staff showing symptoms should stay at home.

Click here to read the letter from the HPA.

Click here to read the leaflet about Swine Flu.

Update at 0930 on Monday 29 June

The HPA have not yet been able to confirm the suspected case of the H1N1 virus. The pupil no longer has any symptoms and has now been relased from isolation. Unless and until any cases are confrimed we are advised to work normally and pupils are expected to attend school as normal.

I will provide updated information here on the website if the situation changes.

Mike Buchanan

Dear Parent/Guardian

Suspected Case of H1N1 Virus

One of the pupils in the Senior School is currently being tested for the virus and we expect to receive the results later today, though the Health Protection Agency (HPA) cannot guarantee this. We have been following medical advice regarding the H1N1 virus and consequently the pupil was immediately isolated and will remain so for as long as necessary. This letter is to inform you of the contingency arrangements we have put in place should this case be confirmed. If the results are negative we will update the website to say so.

Unless you child is unwell he/she should attend school as normal including sports. The symptoms of this flu are similar to regular seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. If your child is ill he/she should remain at home and you should seek medical advice.

If the case is confirmed by the HPA it may necessary to identify and treat close contacts, although in other parts of the UK even this step is now considered ineffective because of the number of confirmed cases. It is unlikely that the authorities will require the School to close.

Given the nature of the Senior School population (boarders and day pupils intermingle freely and so too do all age groups) it is likely this will extend to all pupils in the Senior School who have been in school in any of the last five days. It will also include all staff based in the Senior School including catering staff. It is unlikely to include children or staff in Bridge House or the Pre-Prep School.

Should it be necessary, you may be asked to bring your child into school on Saturday. Each Year group will be given a time slot which we will notify you of using a Clarion Call text and email as well as place this information on the website. In order to avoid congestion and the risk of spreading the virus you are asked to stick to your time slot. If you have children in more than one Year Group please bring them in the first slot.

Please report to the Atrium where you will be asked to remain until the HPA team is able to see you. The HPA, in conjunction with the school medical staff, will assess your child and give advice on any action that might be required. Further information about the virus can be found at http://www.hpa.org.uk/ and http://www.nhsdirect.nhs/.uk.          

Updates will be placed on the School website (http://www.ashfordschool.co.uk/)

Yours sincerely,

Mike Buchanan