Numbers of Derbyshire pupils with swine flu continue to rise as holiday looms
MORE than a third of schools in Derbyshire are ending the summer term with confirmed cases of swine flu.
The number of schools with outbreaks has more than quadrupled in just over 10 days – with 47 reporting pupils with swine flu on July 9 but by yesterday this had risen to 180.
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Swine flu
None of the county's 500 schools has closed during the current outbreak but there could be a question mark about when they reopen after the six-week holiday.
While the Government expects schools and nurseries to open as usual in the autumn, the Department for Children, Schools and Families said it "cannot be certain what the situation will be".
The department said it was looking at the situation on a day-by-day basis and would be monitoring developments over the summer.
A message will be sent to schools in the last week of August informing them of what to do at the start of term.
A planning document published by the Department of Health suggests that if the current growth in cases is sustained, there could be a peak in the flu pandemic in early September, with up to 30% of the population experiencing symptoms.
But it is possible it could begin to slow down over this month and next, before a resurgence in autumn when schools reopen.
Simon Emsley, of Lakeside Community Primary School in Alvaston, was unaware of the possibility of remaining closed.
Mr Emsley, whose daughter, Kyra, six, has returned to school after recovering from swine flu, said: "I am not aware of any instructions but it would be unfortunate if schools were told to remain shut."
The Government has denied that conflicting advice has been offered to pregnant women regarding the precautions they should take during the swine flu pandemic.
Various reports have stated that pregnant women should avoid unnecessary travel and public spaces.
But Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the advice was "not hard and fast" and said people should use their own judgement and get on with their lives and enjoy the summer.
Dr John Grenville, secretary of Derbyshire Local Medical Committee, said: "The message is simple – carry on as normal, just make sure you wash your hands and maintain a high level of hygiene at all times.
"The same applies when it comes to public spaces. I have been telling pregnant women to carry on going to the supermarket, their families still have to eat, just practise good hygiene, be aware and wash your hands more often. Pregnant women can be more susceptible to flu as their immune system is reduced, but as we far as we are aware there is no evidence which shows that swine flu could harm the foetus."
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6 Comments
by John, Derby
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 2:32PM
“There has also been an outbreak of ridiculous conspiracies I see.”
by Tracey Ace, Derby
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 2:22PM
“I think the government knew too,Gordon Brown smarmily stating the uk is safe we have vaccines,blah blah blah.I believe terrorism to be the cause,esp considering our current threat level has been lowered,as it normally gets lowered after an attack.The last time it was lowered was after sept 11th.”
by John, Derby
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 1:22PM
“Pietro - maybe it has something to do with density of population?!?”
by Pietro, Derby
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 12:15PM
“Kevin,
no other country in Europe has closed the borders and they are coping with the flu a lot better than here. The reason of the failure is to be searched somewhere else: Hygiene and NHS system.
People¿s health here is less important that money!! GPs misdiagnosed the flu at the begging and that took to the spread (especially in West Midlands). Now they do not want to give Tamiflu to everybody!!( to save money!!!!!)
Tamiflu is the only thing that can prevent complications! Without it you bet with you immune system!!
Spain, France, Italy, German contained the virus a lot better!! Anyone can tell me how comes??
Do not forget that Spain started in April with 200 cases in a week!!
Igene and NHS system. Helth and people here are less important that money!!
Pietro”
by Joanne, Derbys
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 12:12PM
“Kevin, from what I've read most cases at present appear mild, or like normal flu.
However- it is spreading fast, and people with symptoms should stay at home and get advice from eg NHS Direct or their GP's by phone.
The big worry is if this virus mutates it could be become more dangerous.
I think a vaccine is being developed to target the most vulnerable.”
by kevin lane, Derby
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 11:51AM
“i think its got out of control and i really dont think any one can stop this. i would say just carry on as normal the only thing that concerns me is are any of these deaths related to swine flu ?? some times i wonder if the goverment or some special agency of the goverment all ready knew about this and failed to protect us why didnt they close the borders to our country ?”