Flu Advice for Parents and Guardians

NHS organisations and the Health Protection Agency have worked with local authorities to share the most up to date information on swine flu with parents.

This information was prepared for parents and guardians to answer some of the frequently asked questions on swine flu. Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council will also be circulating this information through schools and childcare settings using their established networks.

This information aims to provide the most up to date information with regards to swine flu and to answer some questions you may have.

As you will be aware the numbers of people affected by swine flu in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland slowed over the summer.

For the majority of people swine flu continues to be a mild illness and most of those affected will recover at home with plenty of rest and the help of over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol.

The National Pandemic Flu Service continues to provide advice to those with swine flu and to authorise antivirals for those who need them. Antivirals are not a cure for swine flu but they can reduce the length of time people are ill and help avoid complications like developing pneumonia.

It is likely there will be a ‘second wave’ of swine flu this autumn and we will see numbers of those contracting the illness increase once more. With this in mind it is important parents can spot the signs of swine flu and give their children the right care if necessary.

There is no need to be alarmed by swine flu but we know all parents will want to be prepared to nurse their youngster through any symptoms and to know where to get further advice and help.

It is unlikely that schools or childcare settings will close due to swine flu but please be aware that children will be sent home if they develop flu-like symptoms. It is advisable to check the school or setting has your correct contact details.

Please read the frequently asked questions we have put together to help respond to any concerns you may have.

If you would like further information visit the NHS Choices website or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

Prepared by:
Dr Peter Marks, Flu Director, NHS Leicestershire and Rutland
Karen Tiller, Flu Director, NHS Leicester City
Cathy Mallaghan, Flu Director for HPA East Midlands.

Information for parents and guardians
The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has produced these frequently asked questions to share information relating to swine flu. For more information call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 or visit www.nhs.uk.

What is swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include a fever (a temperature typically of 38C), tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing, a sore throat and a runny nose. Swine flu can last for seven days but most people experience symptoms for two to five days.

What is the difference between swine flu and seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu happens every year and in the UK flu season is during autumn and winter. Swine flu is a new form of flu which means none of us have immunity to it and everyone is at risk of catching the virus. Flu pandemics are rarer than seasonal flu with just three pandemics in the last century.

How can I protect my child from swine flu?
Simple hand washing is the best way to stop germs and illness from spreading. Illnesses are passed easily between children because they find it hard to practice hand hygiene. Remember to encourage your child to CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT. Always catch coughs or sneezes in a tissue, dispose of the tissue as soon as you can then wash your hands. The flu virus can survive on hard surfaces so clean worktops and door handles regularly with normal cleaning products.

What should I do if I think my child has swine flu?
Symptoms of swine flu are mild for most people, including most children. If you suspect your child has swine flu use the National Pandemic Flu Service. They will be able to assess you and tell you where to get antivirals if needed. Call 0800 1 513 100 for an assessment, or go online at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu

Fever is a common swine flu symptom and can make a child uncomfortable and irritable. The following may help:

Give a child paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower their temperature. You can buy them in liquid form for children. Read the instructions carefully.
Make sure a child is wearing light clothes or remove them if the room is at normal 'room temperature’. Do not 'cold-sponge' a child who has a fever or put them in a cold bath s this can make their condition worse. It is also not advisable to wrap up a child to try and ‘sweat out’ fever. Open a window slightly to ensure a gentle flow of fresh air to reduce overheating.
Encourage your child to have plenty to drink if they have a fever so they do not become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include: a dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, drowsiness, and generally becoming more unwell. Seek medical help if you suspect your child is becoming dehydrated.

What are antivirals?
Antivirals are not a cure for swine flu but they will relieve some of the symptoms, reduce the length of time patients are ill by around one day and reduce the potential for serious complications, such as pneumonia.

Are antivirals safe for children?
Antivirals are safe for children and babies. If your child needs antivirals they will be given an appropriate dose. It is important to note that antivirals, like any medicine, may have side-effects. Make sure you read and understand the instructions.

Swine flu vaccination

The vaccination programme for healthy children aged from 6 months up to 5 years has also begun and will continue into the New Year. Parents of eligible children are being invited to vaccination sessions by their GP or the local NHS.

It is important that children receive the vaccination in order to protect themselves and others from swine flu. Although reports say the rates of illness have fallen recently, the virus is still a threat to health, so it is still important to take advantage of the offer of vaccination. These children have a higher rate of hospital admissions for serious complications from swine flu, and there have been swine-flu related deaths in the age group in the UK.

More information on vaccination for children aged 6 months up to 5 years.

Swine flu symptoms continue to be unpleasant but mild for most healthy people but for pregnant women and those with health problems they can be more severe. These at-risk groups are more likely to need hospitalisation for complications if they get the disease. Some cases have been fatal.

The swine flu vaccine has been delivered to GP surgeries and those who are eligible to receive the vaccine are advised to book their appointment as soon as they are invited by their GP.

The vaccine is the best way to protect against swine flu and to reduce the risk of passing it to others.

Vaccination is available to the following groups:-

Group 1: if you are six months of age or above and you have a long-term health condition such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver disease

Group 2: you are pregnant (the vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)

Group 3: your immune system is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease

Group 4: you live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised

Group 5: a healthy child aged 6 months and up to five years (ie, still aged 4 by 31 December 2009)

If you (or your child) is eligible, you will be contacted by your GP or your local NHS and invited to a vaccination session.

If your child is aged from 6 months and is either

Healthy and still under 5 by 31 December 2009, or
Suffering from an underlying health condition, which makes your child eligible for the seasonal flu jab

Then your child should receive vaccination against swine flu.

It is important that children receive the vaccination in order to protect themselves and others from swine flu. Although reports say the rates of illness have fallen recently, the virus is still a threat to health, so it is still important to take advantage of the offer of vaccination. This age group of children has a higher rate of hospital admissions for serious complications from swine flu.

NHS organisations and the Health Protection Agency have worked with local authorities to share other, earlier information on swine flu with parents.