Some headteachers in England and Wales have ordered some schools to close for a “firebreak” as a “super flu” is spreading throughout classrooms.
Three schools are the first to close for several days more will introduce measures over the coming days to prevent the H3N2 flu variant to spread.
Medical experts are calling this a “tidal wave” of super flu in the run up to Christmas which is causing havoc for the NHS.
In the last week of November, a total of 1,717 patients being admitted to hospital every day. St Martin’s school in Caerphilly, South Wales closed down after 250 pupils and staff fell ill.
Last week Congleton High School in Cheshire closed due to soaring cases of flu and people are being advised to have the flu jab.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “Nobody wants anyone in their family, especially young children, to spend Christmas in hospital.
The best defence against this is a vaccine, but time is running out as it can take up to two weeks from vaccination for your body to build maximum protection.
“So don’t delay any longer, if anyone in your family is eligible, book that appointment today or take your child to the local community clinic.”
Dr Bernal said: “If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy – try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk.
Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.”
Whittington Health NHS Trust in London told the public this week: “You must wear a mask when visiting our Emergency Department, some of our wards, and other clinical areas where the risk is high.”
“If you have flu symptoms, please avoid visiting the hospital,” an update added.
Dr William Welfare, UKHSA’s director of health protection, said, “School closures due to outbreaks are rare and are a decision for the head teacher based on a number of factors, including staff sickness, any possible safety issues, the numbers of more vulnerable children, and whether part or all of the school needs to be closed so that any necessary health protection measures such as deep cleaning can be carried out.”
