Q What does the ‘treatment’ phase of the pandemic mean?
A Because the flu virus is already circulating in the community, the focus is now on treating people with suspected swine flu rather than closing schools or nurseries to try and ‘contain’ or slow the spread of the virus down - something which did not prove to be very effective.


Q Will there still be closures of schools and nurseries?
A In future, closures are more likely to arise because levels of illness among staff may mean that the schools or nurseries cannot continue to operate safely. There could still though be closures on health grounds – for instance to protect groups of more vulnerable children - if the local authority and Health Board considered that necessary.


Q There have been cases of suspected swine flu in my child’s school (or nursery) but it has remained open, should I send my child in?


A While schools remain open, you should continue to send your child to school - unless they have any flu-like symptoms. You would be advised if the school were to close and what to do then.

Q What happens if a child becomes ill at school or nursery?

A You would be contacted and asked to collect and take them home. You should then contact your GP or NHS 24 (on 0845 242424)


Q What can I do to help?

A Make sure that the school or nursery has your up-to-date contact details - address, phone number (home, work and mobile) and any e-mail details - in case they need to get in touch with you.

Q My child has a history of other medical problems and I believe they are at greater risk should they catch swine flu. Is it safe for them to go to school while there have been cases of suspected swine flu there; are there other precautions I should take?

A Children should continue to attend school unless they have any flu-like symptoms. If you have particular concerns about your child’s medical condition and vulnerability to swine flu and its effects, you should discuss these matters both with your GP and with the school.

The school may in turn wish to consult the Health Board or local health protection team about such matters.


Q Is it better for children to catch swine flu now in order to build up their resilience and immunity?

A No. We are still learning about this strain of swine flu and who is most at risk of complications if they contract it. There would also be a risk of the child going on to infect other vulnerable people.

Even with mild flu, complications can occur, leading to more serious illness. With this in mind, it would be wrong not to take all possible precautions against catching swine flu.


Q What should I do if my child (or indeed anyone else in the household) shows any signs of flu-like illness?

A If your child is unwell, or you are concerned about their health in any way, you should contact your local GP or NHS 24 (on 0845 242424).

You should keep them at home and tell the school, nursery etc.


Q When should my child return to school or nursery?

A Not while they still have any symptoms. Once all the symptoms have passed and they feel well enough to return, they can do so.


Q Is hand-washing and the use of tissues important?

Yes, very, and as much in the home as in the school or nursery. Frequent hand-washing and use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes is important in helping to slow the spread of swine flu among children and young people, because they are more likely than others to catch and spread it.

Q Will my child be vaccinated against swine flu? How soon?

A The first supplies of vaccine will be used to vaccinate those people who are most at risk, for instance those with medical conditions (adults and children) which make them particularly vulnerable to swine flu and its effects, and front line health and social care staff who, because of their jobs, are most likely to catch swine flu or to infect these vulnerable groups.

Ministers will continue to be guided by the medical experts about the further vaccination programme, reflecting on the way the pandemic develops.

There will be a full public information campaign to answer people’s detailed questions about the vaccine and vaccination programme as it gets underway.


Q I am concerned about the side effects of Tamiflu on my child?

A If your GP has prescribed Tamiflu for your child, you should follow any advice that they gave you.


If your child starts to show any side effects or you are concerned in any other way about their state of health – especially if it seems to worsen - you should contact your GP again (or NHS 24 on 0845 242424) as soon as possible.



MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE via the following links –

Health Protection Scotland: www.hps.scot.nhs.uk

Latest information and advice from NHS24