With the start of the new school term a mere few days away, the Ministry of Health has called on parents, students and teachers to continue to practice good hygiene, as it seeks to contain the incidence of Influenza A (H1N1) here.
In particular, the advice has gone out to schools and day care facilities.
The Ministry has advised those students and staff, who exhibit signs of fever, not to attend school or daycare for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or show signs of it. Persons are also advised to stay at home even if they are using antiviral drugs.
Individuals are also warned that immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms become severe, or if persons develop difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and a worsened cough.
Students and staff who display symptoms of?? having a fever with cough or sore throat on arrival, or who become ill during the day should be promptly separated from others until they can be sent home. Sick persons should wear surgical masks, if possible, and be provided with tissues.
The Ministry of Health has also requested that students and staff should wash their hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after coughing or sneezing and should cover their noses and mouths and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
In terms of general sanitation, areas frequently touched by students and staff should be routinely cleaned with disinfectants they typically use.
The Ministry of Health has stated that special cleaning with bleach or other detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.