Worried about swine flu?

Recent coverage in the press about swine flu may be causing concern to residents. We would like to let all residents and visitors know that Council services are not affected and are operating as normal.

However, if you do have any health worries you should call your GP rather than visit the surgery, contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, visit their website NHS Direct, or read health protection advice on DirectGov.

Updated UK-wide news on swine flu is also available on DirectGov.

Advice to parents and carers

There have been recent reports in the media about the increased incidence of the H1N1 virus ('swine flu') in schools. 

The Council wants to reassure parents that we are in regular contact with the local Primary Care Trust, and continue to work with them to minimise the risk to our schools and wider Royal Borough community.

Rigorous hygiene and infection control measures remain firmly in place in our schools. However, we ask parents to be vigilant and to look out for any possible signs of the virus in their children. 

If your child develops cold or flu like symptoms (e.g. a cough, sore throat, runny nose, temperature etc.), follow the NHS advice - ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or contact your GP. Please do not visit the doctor’s surgery as this increases the risk to others.

Remember to inform the school of the diagnosis as soon as it is known, and do not bring your child back to school until they are fully recovered.

We will continue to post the latest information on swine flu and any implications for the borough’s schools.