Gripe A Update:
 We are pleased to inform parents that there have been no cases of Gripe A reported this week



News from the Surgery
Gripe A (H1N1) Directive from Direcção-Geral da Saúde

Memo from the surgery to all parents:
We would like to refer parents to the Direcção-Geral da Saúde (DGS) circular N 41/DSPPS/DSPCD dated 23/10/09
http://sitio.dgidc.min-edu.pt/saude/Documents/I_DGIDC_2009_1333.pdf
We have translated and interpreted this directive accordingly:

  • The period of transmission of H1N1 virus can be from one day before the onset of symptoms, and can last up to 7 days.
  • For this reason, children with flu symptoms (typically fever plus one or more of the following: sore throat, headaches, body aches, shivering, cough, diarrhoea or vomiting) are requested to remain at home for seven days from the onset of symptoms.

 

  • In this case, no medical certificate will be required by the school.

Nonetheless, children may return to school before the 7 day period referred to above, if the symptoms have regressed and there is no fever for more than 24hours without the use of fever-lowering medication, provided they have a Doctor’s letter.
If a child should present with a fever due to other pathology, it is the Doctor’s responsibility to decide the length of absence from school, and issue a corresponding declaration allowing the child to come back to school.

 

We are very grateful for your co-operation in this matter.

 

Sister Teresa Ernst                                                                                Mr. David Smith
Head Nurse                                                                                           Headmaster

 

Letter to parents re. Gripe A (H1N1) September 2009

Dear Parent
The current situation concerning the H1N1 Influenza type A virus has prompted us to ask parents to cooperate in helping the school prevent or control the potential spread of the flu and remain a healthy school for all.
Like other viruses, this virus is spread from person to person through close contact. This can occur directly (e.g., shaking hands, holding hands), through infected nasal or oral secretions (e.g., coughs, sneezes, kissing, talking at a close distance) or through touching infected surfaces (e.g., door handles, computer keyboards).
We would like to ask you to reinforce the following simple hygiene precautions that we in school are actively promoting amongst students and staff. We request that students:

  • Carry tissues with them at all times and know when to use them
  • CATCH IT Cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing – use a tissue or arm, not hand.
  • BIN IT Dispose of dirty tissues in the bin.
  • KILL IT Wash their hands well using soap and water, especially after sneezing, or coughing, before eating, after going to the lavatory.

If a child shows any signs of flu-like illness, keep him/her at home, inform the school nurse and limit contact with others. The symptoms are:


Most Significant

Other

·         Sudden onset of Fever (38-39ºC)

  • Dry cough and/or shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Sudden onset of symptoms
  • Aching muscles
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose, sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Malaise/fatigue
  • Shivering
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • In general, a child found to have a fever at school will be sent home immediately.
  • If the medical staff suspects flu, your child will be taken to the closest school sick bay and be kept monitored in isolation until you arrive.
  • A child must be FEVER FREE FOR A FULL 24 HOURS before being allowed back to school.
  • Medicating a child to reduce the fever prior to sending him/her back to school does not constitute being fever-free.
  • Children with confirmed H1N1 influenza should stay at home for at least 7 days
  • Parents must plan for possible longer periods of a child staying at home
  • Parents should not give ASPIRIN to children or teenagers with flu. Use Paracetamol.

In case of concern contact your Doctor or the national health hotline SAÚDE 24 on 808 24 24 24.
Please contact the surgery if you have any doubts or for further information. 
Further Information:
There will be an update on the school website at the end of each week informing parents of the spread of the virus through school.   
Please feel free to contact the surgery if you require any further information (214585300 / 80, 913125978 or email surgery@stjulians.com).
In the meantime may we ask that you please inform the surgery whenever your child is absent through ill health. 
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to prevent the spread of infection in school.  


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