Swine flu hits Pontyberem
It's been confirmed that a small number of pupils from Pontyberem Primary School sent home with flu like symptoms last week have swine flu.
The head teacher, after taking the appropriate medical advise, contacted parents and asked them to collect their children from school and keep them home until well.
Some have returned to school which remains open and continues to run normally.
If the school is not affected with any significant number of cases with pupils or teachers involved the school will continue to operate normally.
Parents are advised that details of the schools opening will be broadcast on Carmarthenshire Radio and the Carmarthenshire County Council website www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/swineflu
This will give any members of the Pontyberem community the advice they require in the event of them contracting flu like symptoms.
Anyone with additional concerns should contact the national Public health Service (NPHS)
Angela Jones, Acting Consultant in Health Protection for the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS), said: “Letters have been sent to parents in the area advising them to contact their GP if their child develops flu-like symptoms.
“Most people will get better at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and medication such as Paracetamol.
“However, it’s important to note that not everyone who has contacted their GP with flu-like symptoms will have swine flu. It’s also true that not everyone with flu-like symptoms will contact their GP.
“As we are entering the winter months and as the pandemic continues, we expect to see a rise in the number of cases of swine flu. By following public health advice if they become ill and taking up the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available, people can help prevent the spread of the virus and by the same token help prevent death and serious disease.
“It is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene such as:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, always carrying tissues, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Help your children follow this advice.”
The head teacher, after taking the appropriate medical advise, contacted parents and asked them to collect their children from school and keep them home until well.
Some have returned to school which remains open and continues to run normally.
If the school is not affected with any significant number of cases with pupils or teachers involved the school will continue to operate normally.
Parents are advised that details of the schools opening will be broadcast on Carmarthenshire Radio and the Carmarthenshire County Council website www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/swineflu
This will give any members of the Pontyberem community the advice they require in the event of them contracting flu like symptoms.
Anyone with additional concerns should contact the national Public health Service (NPHS)
Angela Jones, Acting Consultant in Health Protection for the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS), said: “Letters have been sent to parents in the area advising them to contact their GP if their child develops flu-like symptoms.
“Most people will get better at home with rest, plenty of fluids, and medication such as Paracetamol.
“However, it’s important to note that not everyone who has contacted their GP with flu-like symptoms will have swine flu. It’s also true that not everyone with flu-like symptoms will contact their GP.
“As we are entering the winter months and as the pandemic continues, we expect to see a rise in the number of cases of swine flu. By following public health advice if they become ill and taking up the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available, people can help prevent the spread of the virus and by the same token help prevent death and serious disease.
“It is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene such as:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, always carrying tissues, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Help your children follow this advice.”
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