Swine flu at Spalding and Pinchbeck schools

Description:

Parents of children at a Spalding school have been told to look out for symptoms after a pupil and a parent contracted swine flu.

St Paul's Primary School has not been closed, but some worried parents have decided to keep their children away from classes for the rest of term, which ends on Friday, as a precaution.

Unconfirmed reports also suggest a case of swine flu at Pinchbeck East Primary School.

Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust was unable to confirm any cases of swine flu in Spalding or South Holland, but has issued advice on what to do if swine flu is suspected, which includes carrying on as normal unless you have symptoms.

The message is -'No Symptoms, No Problem'.

 

A spokesman said: "This applies to everyone including schools and the workplace. Anyone who has been in contact with someone confirmed with Swine Flu is not infectious, unless they themselves have symptoms."

The symptoms of Swine Flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.

 

The typical symptoms are:

• sudden fever, and
• sudden cough.

 

Other symptoms may include:

• headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing, and
• loss of appetite.

Anyone who thinks they have Swine Flu:

 

• Must not visit A & E
• Must not visit their GP

 

People who visit any of the above are wasting valuable NHS staff time and are putting other people at risk of contracting swine flu.

 

Instead, people are being advised to:

 

1. Check their symptoms by:

 

• Visiting www.nhs.uk
• Calling the national Swine Flu information line 0800 1 513 513
• Or contacting: NHS Direct 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

 

2.  Anyone who still thinks they have Swine Flu should call their local GP who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone.

If you have information about cases of swine flu in Spalding or South Holland, keep Guide2Spalding up-to-date by e-mailing tracey@guide2spalding.com.