Same Flu Rules Apply As School Holidays Near

26 June 2009

Same Flu Rules Apply As School Holidays Near

With school holidays starting next Friday, holiday programmes and parents are being reminded that the standard rules apply for stopping the spread of flu.

Washing and drying hands well, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping children at home if they are unwell are the three key points to remember.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service acting clinical director Richard Hoskins says basic hygiene measures remain the most important steps to take.

“People running school holiday programmes should ensure they have a suitable hand washing area with disposable paper towels and bins, and an adequate supply of tissues and alcohol hand gel,” he says.

“They should also remind the children each morning about what they need to do during the day to keep themselves and others well.”

Dr Hoskins says there is no reason holiday programmes shouldn’t continue, but they should plan ahead for the actions they will take if a child starts showing symptoms of illness.

“Having a contact list of parents or caregivers who can be called to collect a child immediately in the event of sickness will be really important.”

Parents can also take steps to prepare for the holiday period, including stocking up on tissues and paracetamol at home, regularly cleaning surfaces such as table tops where germs can live, and teaching children good hand hygiene and cough or sneeze etiquette.

“Hands should be washed thoroughly for 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice, and also dried thoroughly,” Dr Hoskins says.

“Everyone, young and old, should use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose of that tissue, then wash their hands. Parents could also equip children with their own pocket-size pack of tissues to use when they’re out and about in places like cinemas and shopping malls during the holidays.”

Parents caring for a child with flu should keep them at home, frequently offer cool fluids such as water, fruit juice and milk and ensure they have plenty of rest.

“If a child is drowsy or not responding well, the parent or caregiver should seek medical or nursing advice immediately,” Dr Hoskins says.

Studies show that most healthy adults may be infectious to others from one day prior to becoming sick until about seven days after first developing symptoms.

In children, especially young children, this period may be longer, making it important to keep them at home for the seven days or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours – whichever is longer.

More information is available by visiting www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1 or by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free 24/7 health advice.

ENDS

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