Influenza

It’s the time of year when nasty bugs and illnesses are about. The following is Ministry of Health information about influenza, minimizing risks and who to contact should you have any queries or concerns.

Signs and symptoms of the Influenza virus can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you have symptoms stay at home until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads (usually well again around three to four days after symptoms start).

Staff and children should not attend OSCAR programmes if they are displaying any of these symptoms, please be vigilant in informing parents and caregivers that unwell children can not attend while they are ill.

Reducing the risk of infection is very important; regularly clean flat surfaces such as bathroom sinks, desks and table tops where germs can live for up to 48 hours. Wipe them down with a household disinfectant.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards and avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes as germs spread that way. It is a good idea to have tissues on site and available for use, also displaying signage about Influenza and reducing the spread of infections are good reminders to everyone in the programme.

If you have any queries or concerns see your GP or contact The Ministry of Health for further advice:

• Phone Healthline toll free on 0800 611 116 or check out their website www.moh.govt.nz
• For immunization advice and details call the Immunisation Advice Line toll free 0800 466 863

Wishing you all a healthy winter
Sally