Swine flu is now circulating in many parts of the UK, and more cases are expected in the next few months. There are a few simple measures you can use to reduce the spread of flu in your homes. Everyone can play their part by practicing good hygiene:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to the face or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Making sure children follow this advice.
Children with flu like illness should stay at home until they are well and have finished any treatment their doctor has prescribed. Where children become ill during the day they will be sent home as soon as possible. Siblings and other children can continue to attend the setting while they remain well.
With swine flu circulating within the country, closing our setting would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed elsewhere. However, if I or any of my family were to be diagnosed our setting would close.
If anyone thinks they may have flu and want to check their symptoms they can call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If they are still concerned they should contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647. You can also keep up to date with developments by visiting the Swine Flu section of the Welsh Assembly Government internet site at www.wales.gov.uk
It is important that any woman who is pregnant and has flu-like symptoms (headache, cough, sore throat and fever) or parents of a child under 5 with flu like symptoms, should phone their GP. Pregnant women and children under 5 years who are diagnosed with any type of flu may require close monitoring as they have a higher risk of developing complications. Infection with the flu virus during pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk to the unborn baby.
Back to News