UPDATE (Mon 29 June) IVC Closed by Swine Flu

UPDATE: YR9 Geography trip to Milton Keynes on Tues 30th June is cancelled. — Cambridge Open Studio Launch Event has been Cancelled.

Mild cases of swine flu continue to spread throughout the area.  Impington Village College has been closed until next Tuesday 30 June.  Yesterday, Cambridge University reported 17 new cases.  The parish council website is reporting “Unless you are identified as a ‘close contact’ (in which case you’ll be contacted) medical advice is ‘business as usual’ “.  IVC’s website is reporting “Exams will continue as planned.  However (Year 12 Exams are postponed until Tuesday 30th June).  Year10 Work Experience continues as normal unless students have a work placement at IVC.  The Sports Centre is closed  and Adult Education Classes are cancelled until further notice. “

Robert Campbell, principal at IVC, said in a written statement: “I am very sorry to announce that following the confirmation of two cases of Swine Flu, we have been advised by the health authorities and Local Authority to close for 7 days with immediate effect. I very much realise that this may cause significant inconvenience but hope you understand and appreciate the gravity of the situation. We hope to be able to reschedule the planned trips/visits that were due to take place this week. Following DCSF advice, we will be open on Wednesday for those students taking the GCSE exam. We will hopefully re-open on Tuesday 30 June. In the event of the need to remain closed, we will post a notice on our website and also local radio.”

There is no word on the condition of the affected students, however, it is believed that their condition is not serious.  Virtually all cases of swine flu in the UK have been mild with only one death (due to other complications) out of more than 2700 cases reported nationally. 

Tuesday night health officials confirmed 17 new cases of swine flu among Cambridge University students – bringing the total number of infected on campus to 20.

The symptoms of this swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. Transmission of this new flu virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu:

• From person to person by coughing or sneezing.
• From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from someone infected with flu.

There is no risk of catching the illness from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food.

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

If you have recently visited one of the countries or areas where human cases of swine flu have been identified, or been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected swine flu, it is important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days after your visit or contact.

Close contacts are people such as friends and family who have usually been in close and prolonged contact with an individual suffering from an infection. 

These people are thought to be more at risk of catching flu. As swine flu is a respiratory virus that can be spread by coughing and sneezing, close contacts may have been put at risk and are followed up and given antiviral medication as a precautionary measure. 

There is no need for you to isolate yourself from other people as long as you remain well.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home and phone your family doctor or NHS Direct (0845 4647). If a health professional decides that you need to have tests, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible until you receive the results.

Comprehensive information and advice on swine flu can be found on the HPA website  or at NHS Direct   Or phone NHS Direct (24 hrs)  on 0845 46476.  You can also call 0800 1 513 513 for recorded information.
 
Two practical steps people can take is to make sure they know their NHS number, make arrangements with family or friends for ‘flu friends’.

Everyone registered with the NHS in England has their own unique NHS Number. Your NHS Number is printed on your medical card, given to you when you register with a GP. Each NHS Number is made up of 10 digits, shown like this: 450 557 7104 (this is an example number only). This helps with getting access to any medicines prescribed to people who are diagnosed with swine flu.

Flu friends are neighbours, friends and relatives who can help if you get ill. For example they could collect medicines, good and other supplies.