Skye Primary School Newsletter

Health and Medical

Belinda Schodde | School Nurse                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Image by Dulcie Pula Long

Influenza A 

We have the flu doing the rounds at school, mostly influenza A currently concentrated to Prep and Grade 1, but now starting to spread with cases in all grades across the school. 

 

The exclusion period for influenza is until your child is well. 

rapid tests are available to buy at the chemist and other local businesses that tests for influenza A, B and COVID19. 

 

I have noticed that the kids seem to be showing signs of stomach aches, headaches, high temperatures and nausea before they develop any chest/lung symptoms. 

 

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Flu is more serious than the common cold and severe cases can result in breathing difficulties and pneumonia. If you have flu symptoms, or have been diagnosed with flu, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have gone.​

 

Most children recover from influenza within seven days without any treatment. Ensure your child has plenty of bed rest, encourage them to drink lots of fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or discomfort. See the royal childrens hospital fact sheet Pain relief for children.  Do not give aspirin to your child, as this can lead to serious side effects.

 

If your child becomes more unwell or is showing signs of dehydration or is having difficulty breathing, you should go back to the GP urgently. Some children may need to be admitted to hospital.

Infectious period 

  • People with flu can be infectious from the day before their symptoms start
  • Adults are most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness
  • Children can remain infectious for 7-10 days
  • Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.

More information 

 

 

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any further information. 

Kind regards

Nurse Belinda 

belinda.schodde@education.vic.gov.au