Following the outbreak of swine flu last year, the UK and London have been especially vigilant about monitoring cases of influenza.
Lewisham Council has also been closely monitoring events and has robust contingency arrangements in place should it be necessary to act quickly.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised us that, in Lewisham, we should continue business as usual. The Council and all other public services are operating as normal.
The HPA has advised that schools should remain open even if they have confirmed cases. Should circumstances change, parents and carers of children attending Lewisham schools will be contacted directly by the school.
At the moment the most effective way of helping to reduce the spread of the virus is to maintain a high level of hygiene. In particular, everyone is encouraged to “Catch it. Kill it. Bin it.” People should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away and wash their hands thoroughly.
Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP who will be able to make an assessment and authorise anti-virals if needed. GPs will also be able to give advice on swine flu vaccination.
The symptoms of swine flu are a fever or a high temperature (over 38oC/100.4oF) and two of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting.
For up-to-date information about swine flu visit Directgov (external site) or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.