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SWINE FLU, keep off or send??

5 replies

mummc2 · 08/07/2009 21:20

My DD is 4 and attends school just in the morning. Today we got a letter to say that someone in KS1 has been confirmed as having swine flu. The classroom for KS1 is shared sometimes with FS and my DD has been with them recently practising her writing. My question is should i keep her off school (she breaks up next thursday) or what is the situation these days with this? I know its not a killer but who wants flu spreading round the family with young (18mths) and very old (90) in the family. Opinions???

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petelly · 08/07/2009 21:23

We've got a child with swine flu in DD's year(she's 5). We're not keeping her off.

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LIZS · 08/07/2009 21:25

Advice is only to keep off those with symptoms . A few staff have been sent home form ours, one was positive tested but asymptomatic, and a few kids ahve been absent (where family is immumne suppressed for example) but otherwise things carry on. If she is going to get it it is probably already too late.

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squeakywheel · 08/07/2009 22:23

I would keep her off if you want to, she's only four anyway, it's really not going to have the same effect as suddenly taking an older child out of class. There's no right or wrong answer really.

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bosch · 08/07/2009 22:37

She might be unwell if she gets it but the deaths (shocked to discover its up to 5 by now ) have all been amongst people with 'serious underlying health problems'. Also noted that its more 'infectious' amongst the young - a very similar strain of flu had been around before so 'older' people have a degree of immunity to it.

So unless you think she'll pass it to family member who has health problems, it appears likely that it would be better for her to be 'exposed to it'/get it now.

Don't entirely understand why, but I believe there is a feeling amongst the medical profession that flu is really going to strike in Autumn. Your daughter would have 'a degree of immunity' if she catches it now. It's why people are said to be holding flu parties.

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mummc2 · 08/07/2009 23:14

thanks main concern was not wanting all family to get it especially with holidays coming up and my brother has morquios disease and has problems with his lungs,he does have a flu shot though?! Think may leave her off as you say shes only four and not legally entitled to take her. sooner rather than later? Rather not have it all!!
Thanks all