Concerns about spread of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza on return to school

25 July 2009

With the reopening of schools after the school holidays across Australia parents and schools need to follow simple measures to reduce the transmission of H1N1 Influenza 09 in the school community.

For example, if children develop influenza-like symptoms, it is important that parents keep them away from school until they are well.

Schools should be active in reinforcing good hygiene practices, and help parents and children understand how to minimise the spread of infection.

During the school holidays there has seen a decrease in the number of children aged 5-16 years presenting to emergency departments with flu-like illness. School holidays have slowed down the spread of infection in most States and Territories however, now that schools are back, it is expected that we will see a rise in cases among this age group.

Important public health messages that would help reduce the spread of H1N1 Influenza 09 include:

  • Anyone who is sick with influenza symptoms should be advised to stay home until their symptoms are gone.
  • Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after use.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
It is also particularly important that people who were unwell with influenza d0 not visit sick, elderly or pregnant women or young children and should avoid visiting hospitals unless requiring treatment for their own illness.