Some schools disrupted amid rise in flu cases

Some schools have had to reintroduce Covid-like measures to prevent the spread of flu, with levels of reported illness in schools and other educational settings higher than last year.

One primary school in Leeds said last week it had to cut back on singing at assemblies and introduce hygiene stations, while another in Caerphilly had to temporarily close.

Flu season arrived early this year and some hospitals asked staff, patients and visitors to wear masks.

The Association of School and College Leaders said it was aware of winter illnesses causing disruption to “several schools across the UK”.

The Department for Education (DfE) in England said school closures “should only occur in extraordinary circumstances”.

Latest data The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which monitors the spread of winter viruses, found that there were 107 cases of acute respiratory illnesses in educational settings in England between 24 and 30 November.

An “acute respiratory incident” is defined for a school – two or more cases occurring among students during a five-day period. This can apply to a number of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV, covid or the common cold.

Of the 107 cases reported from educational institutions in the last week of November, 17 reported influenza as the virus, while two more schools reported Covid as the cause. In 76 cases, the school did not know what respiratory infection had struck them.

For comparison, during same week last year In total, only 15 respiratory incidents were reported in educational institutions, of which only one was caused by influenza.

Flu incidence in the UK is rising, with the weekly average test positivity rate at 17.1% as of December 2, up from 11.6% the week before, according to the UKHSA.

H3N2 virus variant “subclade K” circulates. This is a mutated strain of the seasonal influenza A virus, and in recent years people have hardly encountered it. This means that less immunity has been developed against it.

There is a primary school in Leeds reducing singing in meetings to reduce the spread of influenza. Wigton Moor Primary School said 70 children, or one in six pupils, fell ill or were sent home with a high temperature and cough on one day last week.

Principal Elaine Bown called this the “worst” year for illnesses since she began teaching almost 14 years ago. The school has also implemented Covid-style measures such as opening windows and installing sanitation stations.

In Caerphilly, Wales, St Martin's School. temporarily closed for a fire break after more than 250 students and staff fell ill with a “flu-like illness.”

And in Northern Ireland, the head of a primary school in County Londonderry compared the incidence rate with “back to Covid times” after 170 of his students fell ill on the same day.

DfE Guide published in October, schools in England are encouraged to open windows and doors where possible to ensure classrooms are ventilated and to use carbon dioxide monitors, where available, to “identify poorly ventilated areas”.

“Explain why opening a window even on a cold day, even just for 10 minutes, can make a big difference, as well as the benefits of bringing fresh air into the classroom,” it says.

He also advises reminding children about the importance of hand washing and vaccinations.

Students from reception to 11th grade in England are entitled to a nasal spray flu vaccination in their school.

Parents of younger children aged two and three can book their children's flu jab through their GP practice.

The guidance emphasizes the importance of attending classes and says that most minor illnesses, such as runny noses and sore throats, do not mean children need to miss school.

But he adds that “parents know their child best” and that schools can take steps to reassure them.

Education is divided between the countries of the UK, so countries give their own advice on how to stop the spread of flu.

IN Scotland Officials recommend regular hand washing and advise people with respiratory symptoms to stay away from work or school until they feel better.

Welsh Government emphasizes the importance of hand washing by educational staff.

Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland encourages school-aged children to wash their hands, stay home from school if sick, and get a flu shot.

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We recognize that flu and other winter illnesses are causing disruption to several schools across the UK and that managing this situation can be extremely difficult.”

He said schools will communicate to parents and students about any steps they take, which “may necessitate the closure or partial closure of a site where the situation is particularly serious.”

“Schools are always keen to avoid any disruption to learning and will provide support to affected students,” he added.

In a statement, a DfE spokesman confirmed that flu rates were very high this year and admitted it would be a “tough winter” for the NHS.

“Attending school is critical to children's life chances and while it is clear that flu cases will have an impact on attendance levels, we understand that school closures should only occur in extreme circumstances,” they said.

“We are providing clear guidance to help parents know exactly when to keep children at home, and to help schools manage children's wellbeing and minimize disruption.”