WIS Medical Room: Term 2
Influenza Season: In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August. The Centre for Health Protection tracks activity of Influenza in Hong Kong and has informed schools that we have entered the winter influenza season. 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 Centre for Health Protection 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℃ or higher or respiratory problems should stay at home until 48 hours fever free (without the use of medication).
Gateway: Any medical requirements or medication that has changed over the holidays is to be update via Gateway.
Head lice: If a student has lice or nits, they should be kept at home until all lice have been killed and nits have been removed and please inform the school.
For any health related advice or information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Saffron Brown
School Health Professional
