Health

Flu awareness

The Flu is highly contagious. It spreads easily through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

These droplets settle onto hard surfaces, eg. doorknobs, and can then pass from hands to nose, mouth or eyes. Flu spreads even more quickly among large groups. Infection rates can be 2-3 times higher in these circumstances.

 

Vaccination is the single best way to prevent the spread of influenza.

 

Other infection control measures include:

  • Practising hand hygiene i.e. regular hand washing.
  • Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Throwing tissue into rubbish bin after use and wash hands.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth as that is how the disease is commonly spread.

To minimise the spread of infection or illness staff and students should stay home from school. If you are concerned about symptoms, seek medical advice.

 

Jenny Hill

College Nurse

Resource: Department of Health WA