ADVICE TO PARENTS ON (INFLUENZA H1N1) HUMAN SWINE ‘FLU

Schools are advised that pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza is now widespread in the
general community throughout WA and has resulted in several deaths. The
Department of Health has advised that people with influenza-like illness are not
being routinely tested by health authorities.
The focus of prevention in schools is to reinforce the message that students
and staff with influenza-like illness should stay away from school and from
public places until their symptoms have abated. Sound health and hygiene
practices are to be used in schools.

Q. Where their parent has confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza or
influenza-like illness, should well students stay home?
A. No. However, the child should be closely monitored for illness, and stay away
from school if illness develops.

Q. Where a student has confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza or
influenza-like illness should well siblings stay home?
A. No. However, the sibling(s) should be closely monitored for illness, and stay
away from school if illness develops.

Q. If a child or staff member is confirmed as having pandemic (H1N1) 2009
influenza or influenza-like illness, for how many days should they absent
themselves from school?
A. Regardless of whether or not influenza infection is confirmed, a child or staff
member who becomes ill with an influenza-like illness should stay at home until fever
and acute illness symptoms have completely resolved, or 7 days from the date of
onset of symptoms, whichever is longer. If antiviral medicine was given early in the
illness, and the child or staff member are well after three completed days of
treatment, they may return to school.

Q. Where can students, parents and staff members go for medical advice?
More information is available from the Department of Health website at
www.public.health.wa.gov.au or call the National Human Swine Influenza Hotline on
180 2007. Health Direct can also be contacted on 1800 022 222 if you require
medical advice.

If you have any queries please contact the College.

JEANETTE GIROUD

PRINCIPAL