6 July 2009

Dear Parents and Swimmers

Re: Swine Flu ('Influenza A/H1N1v')

I am writing to let you know that, as is the case with a number of local schools and organisations, there has been one confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1v ("swine flu") in the swimming club.  We are working closely with the Health Protection Agency who has advised us that Swine Flu is usually a mild illness. At present the swimming club is remaining open, but the situation is being kept under review.

Guidance on swine flu is evolving rapidly, and may change again, but at present the advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is as follows:

1. Very close contacts of the swimmer concerned who remain well can carry on their normal lives without any restrictions. They will not normally be offered antiviral treatment unless they are in an 'at risk' group (see below).

2. Parents of any other swimmers who have flu-like symptoms must keep them at home and must not attend training.These swimmers may have swine flu and, if they have symptoms, they are likely to be infectious. Bringing them swimming would risk infecting others. Ideally they should keep their contact with others to a minimum until seven days from the onset of their symptoms if:
i) you are concerned about the state of their health;
ii) the swimmer is more ill than you would normally expect with flu; or
iii) anybody in the household is in the 'at risk' group
Please contact your GP, who may consider advising antiviral treatment. Otherwise, treat as you normally would, eg with paracetamol.

3. Swimmers who are:
a) in an 'at risk' group (see below) and
b) were a very close contact of a swimmer with swine flu
may be offered antiviral treatment if they have symptoms, and a preventative course of antivirals if they do not have any symptoms. This can be arranged by ringing your GP and saying that you have received this letter from your swimming club.

Further information can be obtained from NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or from the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 151 3513.

The swimming club  is following the advice given by the Health Protection Agency, to local schools who have also had confirmed cases of swine flu within their community and if the situation changes, parents and  swimmers will be contacted via email and the Noticeboard on the website will be updated.

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'At risk' groups and background information
For the purpose of this guidance, people 'at risk' are defined as those who have one of more of the following:


In addition to the above risk categories (which are taken directly from the NICE guidance), the following circumstances should also be considered to count as 'at risk':

If there is any uncertainty about whether somebody should be considered to be 'at risk', please contact their GP.

For more information see the HPA web site ( www.hpa.org.uk ).



Best Regards.
Leigh Atkinson
Chairman EDSC