The following was a letter to parents of pupils at Hymers College, telling them of the swine flu case.
Matthew Fitzpatrick, of Beverley, who is a year 10 pupil at the fee-paying Hymers College, is said to be making a full recovery.
The letter said:
Dear Parent/Guardian
We are writing to inform you that a child in school has been diagnosed w
ith the new influenza A virus type H1N1 (also known as swine flu). The child is receiving the appropriate treatment and is recovering well.
We have taken advice from the North Yorkshire & the Humber Health Protection Unit (NYH HPU), and we want to reassure you that there is no need for concern as the risk to the rest of the school community is low. This new flu is proving to be a mild disease, and most affected children are poorly for just a few days.
At the present time we have been advised that the school should remain open however, we are monitoring the situation closely with the relevant health organisation and will keep parents and carers informed of any changes.
Following national guidance the NYH HPU is identifying close contacts of the case and offering anti-viral medication as a precautionary measure (known as prophylaxis) and carrying out further investigation as appropriate. More extensive prophylaxis to our pupils with anti-viral medication is not recommended at this stage as there is no evidence of spread within the school. Anti-viral medicine is not a vaccine and does not give long term protection against the flu.
We ask that you keep a close eye on your child for the next few days and if they have symptoms of flu to keep them at home, let us know at the school, and contact your own GP or NHS Direct (0845 4647) for advice.
The symptoms of flu are:
• Fever, usually of 38°C or above, PLUS two of the following symptoms
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose
• Muscle aches and pains
• Vomiting/diarrhoea
Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell with flu.
General information about swine flu can be found online at www.nhs.uk Alternatively, you can call the national Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
As ever we appreciate your patience and co-operation at this time. If you have any further concerns please contact the school on 01482 343555
