Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have been informed that 3 students have been identified with Influenza A, a viral infection.  They are currently not at school until they recover.

Symptoms include: rapid onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sneezing, running nose, sore throat, a cough, most people recover within a week, although the cough and fatigue may last longer. Influenza is much more serious than the common cold. It can lead to complications for some people.

How influenza is spread: Influenza virus is spread when someone with influenza coughs or sneezes, producing airborne droplets that come into contact with the nose, throat and mouth or another person. Droplets can be spread through the air. Infection may also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other articles soiled by infected nose and throat discharge.

Prevention: Exclude people with flu from childcare, preschool and school until there has been no fever for 24 hours (without using a fever reducing medicine such as paracetamol).

Wash hands as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing and after contact with nose and throat discharges or articles soiled by these. Use soap and water or an alcohol wipe.

Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or the arm, not with the hand. Drop used tissues immediately into a rubbish bin, then wash hands.

Please note that parents are required to inform the school if their child has been diagnosed with influenza as it is a notifiable condition.

Steve Freeman

Principal