Parents across the Coast are being urged to keep an eye out for symptoms of serious illness – and keep the kids at home if they are sick.
It follows what’s been described as “unprecedented level of sickness” at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School at Terrigal.
On Monday June 19 alone there was a reported absence of around 75% of Year 1 students – more than 50 children off sick with suspected Influenza B strain and/or Chickenpox.
In a letter addressed to parents and carers the school outlines the “considerable number of absences…due to illness” across all grades, particularly in K-2 classrooms.
There have also been recently reported cases of Chickenpox and Scarlet Fever in the school.
CC LHD has not flagged any outbreak of widespread illness in our area, but parents/carers are being advised to brush up on the recommendations in the NSW Government Health Fact Sheet for infectious diseases (clickable link). The school is also urging families to practice good hand hygiene at home, and keep the kids there if they are unwell “until cleared by your doctor”.
Other schools and workplaces across the Coast have also had high levels of absences as winter ills kick in.
Fatigue and fever can be common symptoms for these conditions, along with aches, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite…
Chickenpox/Varicella Symptoms
- Starts with runny rose, slight fever, and skin rash
- The rash appears as small lumps that turn into pus-filled blisters, then scabs
- Can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation, and can even be fatal for those with autoimmune conditions or receiving immunosuppressant medications
- The Chickenpox virus can also lead to Shingles later on
Scarlet Fever/Scarlatina Symptoms
- Red, sore throat
- White or yellow coloured specks or coating on tongue
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck
- Headache, general aches and pains
- Telltale rash – usually starts on neck and face, spreading to chest and back, and rest of the body, especially in creases like underarms, elbows and groin
Influenza Symptoms
- Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches, joint pains, headaches
- Nausea and vomiting, and/or diarrhoea
Seek immediate medical help if the symptoms worsen, or include
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Confusion or sudden dizziness
For more about The Flu & You, click here
Because of how easily these illnesses are spread – and how dangerous they can be for some members of the community – the advice is to stay away until all symptoms have settled.
