General information
Although the first wave of the swine flu pandemic seems to be behind us, there may still be cases of infection. If you have any questions, they might be answered below or use our online form.
Children with underlying health problems
The Ministry of Health reminds us to keep an eye on students and children with underlying health conditions, such as asthma. These children are particularly susceptible to the H1N1 09 flu virus. If children show symptoms, please take early action and call their parents or caregivers, and ask them to keep them at home until fully recovered.
Continue with good hygiene
The Ministry of Health encourages people to continue with their personal hygiene regime (wash and dry hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, stay away from other people if you or they are sick, regularly clean flat surfaces). Remind your staff and parents about this specific advice on the Ministry of Health’s website Protect yourself and others and Signs and symptoms.
Manage it - general and medical
These questions and responses apply to schools and early childhood centres.
- What are some of the options for managing high rates of staff or student absenteeism due to the flu?
The strategies used by schools will be similar to managing a serious seasonal outbreak of flu. Initial strategies could include:
- Using the relief teacher fund
- Doubling up on classes – primary and secondary
- Sending some secondary classes/years (not Years 9 and 10) to work from home to free up staff
- Using the banking of staffing mechanism.
The prime consideration is the safety of all students and staff. If the safety of students and staff is compromised then school closure is the next option. However given the current medical status of the virus school closure would be hard to justify on purely health grounds. The school would have to be facing a situation that could not be managed by the measures outlined above. See School or centre closure.
- Where can I seek direct guidance about managing high rates of staff or student absenteeism?
Support and guidance is available from:
- Ministry regional local office managers
- Education Helpline 0800 225 580
- New Zealand School Trustees Association on 0800 STAHELP (0800 782 435), helpdesk@nzsta.org.nz, fax 04 473 4706.
- What can we do to minimise infection at our school or service?
Ministry of Health advises to take these precautions:
- Students or staff with symptoms should stay at home in line with normal practice.
- Continue hygiene measures, including hand washing before and after eating, keeping hands away from mouths and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing.
- Make sure that students who have particular medical conditions or who are susceptible to infection, avoid contact with people who have symptoms.
- Where do I go for information about the influenza (H1N1) pandemic?
Visit the Ministry’s website www.minedu.govt.nz/PandemicUpdates. We’re continually updating the information and will continue with daily updates. If you can’t find the information you want, contact the EDUCATION HELPLINE 0800 225 580 or your Ministry regional office.
- Can our school or service still have the PTA meeting this term?
Gatherings such as parent teacher evenings and sports tournaments can continue, with the usual precautions.
- What does avoid "close contact" mean?
Avoid close contact means where possible, keep one metre away from others especially if they might have flu. If you do need to be close then keep the time to a minimum, ie under 15 minutes. Avoid physical contact such as hugging or kissing. Reduce time spent in crowded settings. As this isn’t always possible, Ministry of Health recommends that sick people stay at home.
- How long is the infectious period?
Seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
- What should I do if a staff member or student is displaying flu-like symptoms?
If someone becomes sick, send them home until they are essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around three to four days after symptoms start, but may be up to a week. Most people will be able to safely recover at home. If their condition worsens, phone Healthline 0800 611 116 or your doctor.
- We have a pregnant staff member. What advice is there for their well-being in the flu pandemic? Are there any specific steps we should be taking to look after her? Specific advice for pregnant women is available on the Ministry of Health website:
- Influenza in pregnancy
- Pregnant women
The general advice for everyone is that students or teachers with flu-like symptoms should stay at home. The reasons for this include looking after the well-being and interests of others such as pregnant women.
- If a person is not showing symptoms but has been in close contact with someone with flu symptoms (eg, parent or sibling), should they stay away from work/school?
No. If people have no symptoms then they can go to school or work. This applies if you are in the containment or management phase.
- How do I know if my school or early childhood service is in a containment area?
Containment means Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus hasn’t spread in your community. Contact your area health board if you are unsure.
- Where do I go for more medical information?
Medical information is on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/influenza-a-h1n1. For travel information visit www.safetravel.govt.nz.
- What does moving into the management phase mean for schools or services?
It is unlikely that early childhood services or schools will be advised to close if they have suspected or confirmed cases, unless they are in an area still in the containment phase. The Ministry of Health advises that there is no need for any restrictions on people returning to work, school or their early childhood service after an overseas trip, unless they have symptoms.