Medical Room Update: Term 2

Influenza Season: In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August. At WIS, we have a responsibility for our personal health and those who are most vulnerable in our community. 

Influenza is an acute viral infection which spreads from person to person as droplets in the air from sneezing, coughing or touching infected surfaces. To protect yourself, the CHP recommends consulting your doctor for the influenza vaccination and to consider the following precautions:

• Build up good body immunity through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
• Seek medical advice promptly; if symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop.

For healthy individuals, seasonal influenza is usually self-limiting, lasting about a week. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue and headache, with or without vomiting and diarrhoea. Whilst most symptoms resolve quickly, the cough is often severe and fatigue can be prolonged.

For school:

• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of tissues properly
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly and regularly
• Make healthy food choices and drink plenty of water

We do not encourage or endorse the use of a face mask at school.  Please take the necessary precautions and if you’re unwell, stay at home. Students with fever 37.5 °C or higher or respiratory problems should stay at home until 48 hours fever free (without the use of medication).

We monitor student absences so if a doctor’s diagnosis is given, please inform your child’s tutor, with a copy of the doctor’s note for our records. .

Pneumonia cases in Wuhan: The CHP has issued advice to the general public in relation to the cluster of pneumonia cases detected in Wuhan. In addition to respiratory illness precautions, the CHP advises the following:

• Avoiding touching animals/poultry/birds or their droppings
• Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms
• Ahere to food safety and hygiene rules

Gateway: Any medical requirements or medication that has changed over the holidays is to be updated via Gateway.

Head Lice: Please check regularly and treat promptly when required. If a student has lice or nits, inform school and they should be kept at home until all lice have been killed and nits have been removed.

For any health related advice or information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Saffron Brown
School Health Professional