Swine flu and The Sixth Form College, Farnborough:
a brief guide for students and parents
During this or any future outbreak, on the advice of Government Agencies the College will operate business as usual unless ordered to close by the local Health Authority.
Our main concern is to protect the health of students and staff, and to minimise disruption to the student experience and the work of the College. For most people, this is a relatively mild strain of flu virus (AH1N1) but care should be taken to limit its spread and to protect those who would be particularly vulnerable if they were to catch it. Most reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment with antiviral medication (Tamiflu).
If you think you may have swine flu:
· Follow normal College procedures for absence: “students or parents are requested to telephone the College Student Services Office (01252 688201) before the start of the first lesson when there is an absence due to illness”.
· Stay at home, even if your symptoms are mild.
· Contact the National Flu Service at www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or on 0800 1 513 513; your GP; or NHS Direct (0845 46 47 48) for medical advice.
· If you are given a reference number to obtain Tamiflu, write it down straightaway as it will not be possible to obtain it again or to get a new one, since only one prescription is allowed per person.
· If confirmed as a suspected case of swine flu, only return to College when you have fully recovered.
· If someone at home has flu but you are not needed as a carer, then you should come to College as normal.
Looking after yourself:
· The most significant thing that you can do to protect yourself and to limit the spread of swine flu is to wash your hands frequently and consider other ways in which germs may be passed - such as handling money, licking fingers when sorting paperwork or handling food and so on.
· Make sure you follow the NHS hand washing instructions which have been posted up around College.