Source: Liz Humphreys
At present the recommended period of exclusion/isolation is 7 days for adults and 9 days for children.
A review of the exclusion period was undertaken in the light of the movement from containment phase to treatment phase and emerging knowledge of the nature of the virus. Following this it has been decided that individuals who have developed H1N1 Flu need to stay off work/school only for a period of 24 hours after cessation of symptoms (without using antipyretic drugs). This will apply to both children and adults. This policy will come into effect from 9th October 2009.
Advice to Parents:
1. There is no need to keep your children off school for the 9 days recommended previously. They can return to school once, after ceasing use of paracetamol or ibuprofen, they have been free of symptoms of flu for 24 hours.
2. A letter detailing this change in policy will be circulated by the Department of Education.
3. There is no need to keep healthy children off school.
4. Continue to practice hygienic measures such as hand washing and ‘covering your cough’ to prevent the spread of the virus.
For further information, please consult www.gov.im/swineflu
