RETURN

August, 2009 

Dear Parent/ Guardian/ Agent,
This correspondence contains important guidance and advice on a number of School, Hostel and Residential issues.  Please read it carefully.

INFLUENZA: A (H1N1)
I have held a series of meetings with the College Staff who are in charge of the key areas of College Life.  In addition, we have accessed the current Public Health Guidance Programme and attended a Seminar on the IBEC Occupational Health and Safety Service.  In short, we are preparing to provide guidance and care to students and staff on their return to the College in the coming weeks.  The rapid spread of Influenza A(H1N1) in national and global terms is causing the HSE to review and revise advice to the public, on a constant basis.  Through the College Nurses and attending Doctor, we will review our own procedures as guided by current advice and best medical practice.
GENERAL  GUIDELINES:

• Students or staff who display Influenza A (H1N1) symptoms should remain at home until all symptoms disappear.  They should seek medical advice through the appropriate contact with their own G.P.
• Students who display symptoms will be returned home in consultation with Parents, Guardians and Agents.
• Please advise your children, as will we, on Respiratory Hygiene, Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette.
• Ensure that the information and contact numbers we hold on all Medical Report files is current and accurate. 
• Parents whose children have serious underlying medical conditions should confer with their G.P prior to sending their children back to school.

A number of websites provide updated information.  These include:

• Where necessary, we will set up a separate medical unit for students displaying critical symptoms of A (H1N1).   In such cases, parents will be obliged to meet the required costs.
• Department of Health and Children Website – http://www.dohc.ie
• Department of Education & Science website – http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/public_health_guidance_for_planning_for_residential.pdf
• See http://www.hse.ie for most up to date list of symptoms of Influenza A (H1NI).

Please note that the College Nurse is available
between 8.15am and 6.30pm each day to answer queries.        
Again, I stress that students displaying symptom should remain at home.   Residential students will be sent home in all practical cases.
Finally, be assured that the College Medical Team will keep up to date on all developments and will contact you, if necessary.
Yours sincerely,
________________
Pat O’Sullivan (Principal)

The World Health Organisation has said that there is now a high risk that
Influenza A(H1N1) could lead to a pandemic.

You have an important role to play in helping to stop the flu spreading.

There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family
and friends.

WHAT IS INFLUENZA A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) is different from the ordinary or seasonal flu that occurs
every winter.

• It has spread rapidly around the world
• It could be highly infectious
• It may affect large numbers of people
• It is likely to cause more severe illness than ordinary flu
• It may cause more deaths than ordinary flu
• It may occur in two or more waves several months apart – with each wave
possibly lasting weeks or months.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE GOT INFLUENZA A(H1N1)?

You will have the same symptoms as if you had ordinary flu but they will probably
be sudden, and may be severe. They may include:
• Temperature over 38ºC/100.4ºF and some of the following:
• Dry cough • Sore throat
• Headache • Runny nose
• Severe weakness and fatigue • Vomiting / diarrhoea

• Aching muscles and joints

These can lead to complications, some of which may be severe.