Swine Flu
Frequently Asked Questions for parents of nursery and schoolchildren
How is the swine flu pandemic affecting schools in Scotland?
Over a hundred schools, spread across the country, have been affected by higher than normal pupil absence rates as a result of flu-like illnesses. In some instances, a number of pupils have been confirmed with swine flu. In others, swine flu has only been suspected. Since the summer, only two schools have so far been advised by the NHS to close - in both cases on health grounds arising from particular local circumstances. In all other schools, staff have been able to maintain business as usual and thereby minimise disruption to pupils’ education.
The Scottish Government continues to work closely with local authorities and NHS health protection teams to monitor the situation and to assess how the pandemic is developing.
Will there still be closures of schools and nurseries?
There could yet be closures on health grounds - for instance to protect groups of more vulnerable children - if the local authority and Health Board considered it necessary.
There have been cases of suspected swine flu in my child’s school (or nursery) but it has remained open. Should I send my child in?
While schools remain open, you should continue to send your child to school - unless they have any flu-like symptoms. You would be advised if the school were to close and what to do then.
What happens if a child becomes ill at school or nursery?
You would be contacted and asked to collect and take them home. You should then contact your GP or NHS 24 (on 08454 242424) if you are concerned that they may have swine flu.
What can I do to help?
Make sure that the school or nursery has your up-to-date contact details - address, phone number (home, work and mobile) and any e-mail details - in case they need to get in touch with you.
My child has a history of other medical problems and I am worried they are at greater risk should they catch swine flu. Is it safe for them to go to school while there have been cases of suspected swine flu there? Are there other precautions I should take?
Children should continue to attend school unless they have any flu-like symptoms. If you have particular concerns about your child’s medical condition and vulnerability to swine flu and its effects, you should discuss these matters both with your GP and with the school. The school may in turn wish to consult the Health Board or local health protection team about such matters.
What should I do if my child(or indeed anyone else in the household) shows any signs of flu-like illness?
If your child is unwell, or you are concerned about their health in any way, you should contact your local GP or NHS 24 (on 08454 242424). You should keep them at home and tell the school or nursery.
When should my child return to school or nursery?
Not while they still have any symptoms. Once all the symptoms have passed and they feel well enough to return, they can do so.
Is hand-washing and the use of tissues important?
Yes, very, and as much in the home as in the school or nursery. Frequent hand-washing and use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes is important in helping to slow the spread of swine flu among children and young people, because they are more likely than others to catch and spread it.
Will my child be vaccinated against swine flu? How soon?
The first phase of the vaccination programme has focussed on using initial vaccine supplies to vaccinate those who are most at risk, for instance those with medical conditions (both children and adults) which make them particularly vulnerable to swine flu and its effects. In addition front line health and social care staff are also being offered vaccination to ensure that they are protected from the virus given the high number of people they come into contact with, and also to prevent further spread of the virus or infection to those in their care.
The Government has also announced that the vaccination programme is being extended to include young children from 6 months up 5 years old. Parents can expect to be contacted to bring their child(ren) forward for vaccination. This will take place once those in the initial priority groups have been offered vaccination.
Decisions have not yet been taken about the vaccination of other groups, including healthy school age children. Ministers will continue to be guided by independent scientific advice and evidence, taking into account the way the pandemic develops.
I am concerned about the side effects of Tamiflu on my child?
If your GP has prescribed Tamiflu for your child, you should follow any advice that they gave you.
If your child starts to show any side effects or you are concerned in any other way about their state of health - especially if it seems to worsen - you should contact your GP again (or NHS 24 on 08454 242424) as soon as possible.