Lauderdale Primary School ...
SALLY GLAETZER
August 28, 2008 10:10am
ALMOST half of the students at Lauderdale Primary School are off sick today as the school grapples with a severe flu outbreak.
Principal Mike Woods of Lauderdale Primary School said up to four children have spent a night in hospital and one staff member has spent three nights in hospital.
"We have had over the last almost two weeks now varying reports of the illness," Mr Woods said.
He said an average of 80 out of the 590 students were away each day last week, but the epidemic has worsened in more recent days.
Today 270 students, 11 teachers and 5 support staff are off sick
Mr Woods said the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, severe upper body aches and difficulty breathing.
"We're still waiting on pathology results to see if it is Influenza A," Mr Woods said.
He said the remaining 38 teachers are handling two classes each and education department staff have been made available to help out.
"Even doubling up we barely have 20 students in a class," Mr Woods said.
Public health authorities are waiting on test results to show the reason for a spike in flu-like illness affecting Lauderdale Primary School.
Senior medical adviser Avner Misrachi said it was not clear yet what is causing the illness.
"So far this winter the flu season has been mild compared with last year,'' Dr Misrachi said.
" Fifty-two adults and children from around Tasmania have been confirmed to have influenza so far this year, but there has been an increase in notifications in the last few weeks.
"We wont know what is causing the flu-like illness affecting Lauderdale Primary School until we get test results back in the next 24 hours."The main symptoms of influenza are sudden onset of fever, chills, dry cough, extreme tiredness and body aches.
Dr Misrachi urged all parents to keep unwell children at home.
"Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, especially for older people and people with chronic illnesses," Dr Misrachi said.
"If you or your child has flu symptoms, keep them at home.
"It's important not to go back to work or school until you are fully recovered, so you don't spread the disease to others."Dr Misrachi said influenza can cause severe illness but it is largely vaccine preventable.
"The flu vaccine is effective against influenza.
"Vaccine is still available but it takes around two weeks to be fully effective. ''
Dr Misrachi said there are a number of simple steps people can take to protect themselves and others from flu.
"The flu is very contagious, and a person can infect others before they even realise they are sick.
"Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol rubs, especially before touching your face or anything that goes in your mouth. This is because the virus can be picked up unknowingly on your hands.
"Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow if you dont have a tissue.
"Throw dirty tissues in the bin straight away.
"And if you have a fever and other flu symptoms, stay home," Dr Misrachi said.
FROM: MERCURY | 
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