Suspected swine flu in local schools

Other local schools which informed East Sussex County Council of either a pupil or staff member suffering symptoms which might be caused by swine flu are Crowhurst primary school, Claverham Community College, Saxon Mount School in Hastings and Rye CP School.

Bexhill High Principal Mike Conn told the Observer this week that four possible cases had been reported but he expected more.

He said: "We received notice letters from ESCC which we sent out to all parents. We will continue as normal but respect any parents wishes with regard to children being here in the last week.

"But it's better we get it out of the way during the summer rather than in the winter when its likely to be worse.

"I understand parents have great concerns, but this is not about containment anymore - we failed to contain it as a country. Now we need to arm ourselves against it.

"We wish all the children a speedy recovery."

The first suspected case was reported last Friday and letters were sent out immediately to parents with advice is based on guidance provided by the Health Protection Agency.

Mike commented: "You expect it, but you don't want it - and then it happens."

Bexhill High School has twice been through health scares with lasting and tragic consequence - tuberculosis was traced back to the father of a couple of children but not before ten members of staff tested positive, including Mike himself, and more recently there was the loss of Year 10 pupil Fran Ward who contracted meningitis.

Parents at Ninfield primary school received notice of a confirmed case of swine flu last week but were told the school would remain open, while St Richard's reported a suspected case last Wednesday of a child being treated for symptoms and advised staff and parents of appropriate action to take. Since then the tally has risen to three.

A PCT spokesman said: "As the number of case of swine flu continues to rise, now is the time for people to identify family members or friends who could help them if they become unwell.

"A 'flu friend' could be a relative, neighbour or friend who will be able to collect medicines, food and other supplies.

"People who become unwell with flu like symptoms should telephone their GP who will decide if antiviral medication is required. Antivirals prevent the flu virus from reproducing and may shorten the illness by a day and reduce the risk of complications.

"If an antiviral is required and after talking through the process, the GP will provide a letter of authorisation to a local site stocking the antiviral medication. A 'flu friend' should then collect that medication.

Anyone suffering from flu like symptoms should stay at home and not go out to pick up the medication themselves.

Antivirals will be given to the flu friend only when authorisation has been received from the GP. In Bexhill, when authorised by your GP, antiviral medication can be collected from three pharmacies and the PCT established Antiviral Collection Point at The Chapel at Bexhill Hospital.

"Anyone who becomes unwell and doesn't have a 'flu friend' should tell their GP who will be able to advise about alternative arrangements in place for people with no family or friends locally.

"No one with flu or flu like symptoms should go to their GP surgery or to a hospital as this may spread swine flu; call your GP who will be able to give an assessment over the phone.

"For further information about swine flu, call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. Information is also available on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/.