Swine flu and your childcare business

 

 

Hello again

 

With the increased incidence of H1N1 in Ireland it is imperative that you are prepared for a possible outbreak in your service. There have been major outbreaks in schools throughout Ireland and the numbers being infected has dropped due to the mid term break.

 

How prepared is your service?

 

Do you know the symptoms to look out for?

 

Do you have effective sanitiser in your service (please check that it is H1N1 effective).

 

Have you thought your children about Swine flu through songs etc?

 

Are you monitoring the local area particularly for swine flu outbreaks in schools?

 

I would suggest that you help to educate your parents as tot the signs of swine flu through posters, letters home etc. You can use the following for a poster and also for a letter to parents:

 

So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.

 

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

 

• unusual tiredness, 
• headache,
• runny nose,
• sore throat,
• shortness of breath or cough,
• loss of appetite, 
• aching muscles,
• diarrhoea or vomiting.

 

Please keep your child home and contact the Swine Flu information line on 1800 94 11 00 or your GP for more information.

 

 

I have pasted below the FAQ from the HSE swine flu site click on any of the links for information.

Educational and Childcare Information

 

 

 The following YouTube video is of one of the hand washing songs available.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments. Until next time.

 

Paul

CMS