ADVICE REGARDING SWINE INFLUENZA

SWINE FLU (H1N1)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reason to believe that the current outbreak of swine flu will return during the winter months of the northern and southern hemispheres.

ADVICE TO RAD SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS

RAD Teachers are recommended to seek advice from the relevant  local health authority to determine how to recognise the symptoms of swine flu and what to do when a pupil turns up for a dance class with suspected symptoms.

RAD Teachers should advise their pupils that if they have been sent home from school because another pupil has symptoms / has been diagnosed with flu or the pupil him/herself has the flu or flu-like symptoms, NOT to attend dance classes.

Schools and teachers are further advised to determine the terms and conditions under which fees are refundable.

HOW DANGEROUS IS SWINE FLU?

Governments will determine how best to manage any outbreaks, either through “containment” such as automatic school closures or through “treatment” which means that individuals with, or suspected to have, swine flu should stay at home.

Under a treatment regime all suspected cases that have swine flu symptoms will have been asked to self-isolate at home and restrict their contact with people. The vast majority of people should go about their normal activities, including going to school or work. This includes children who attend a school with a confirmed case of swine flu. There is no need on risk grounds to avoid contact with people who might simply have come into contact with those having the illness, such as the parents of children at schools with a confirmed case but who are not themselves ill, unless you are someone who is at risk.

The vast majority of people who have caught swine flu have experienced relatively mild symptoms (similar to seasonal flu). Many people are recovering with no medical treatment and others are responding well to antiviral drugs. Only a small number have led to serious illness, and these have frequently been where patients have had underlying health problems.

You should seek advice on whether you are in a risk group which includes people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.

SYMPTONS OF SWINE FLU

The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.

The typical symptoms are:

• sudden fever, and

• sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

• headache

• tiredness

• chills

• aching muscles

• limb or joint pain

• diarrhoea or stomach upset

• sore throat

• runny nose

• sneezing, and

• loss of appetite.

REDUCING THE RISK OF CATCHING OR SPREADING FLU

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue

• Dispose of used tissues carefully

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water

• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

[Source: NHS Direct, NHS UK, WHO]

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO ABSENCE DUE TO SWINE FLU

For individuals:

Where individuals are unable to attend an activity because s/he has or is suspected of having swine flu, the standard terms of that activity relating to absence from illness will apply.

For activities:

The Academy will publish separate policies for term-time activities such as students attending Dance Classes at Royal Academy of Dance headquarters, and for students enrolled on any RAD Faculty of Education programme.

For examinations, the following terms and conditions are contained in the Handbook for Registered Teachers of the Royal Academy of Dance:  Where the Academy is required to cancel an examination tour after the receipt of entries and fees (e.g. because of the outbreak of war, threat of terrorism, pandemic of serious illness, sudden unavailability of the intended Examiner), the Academy will normally refund fees in full, unless an examination tour is able to be re-scheduled within the following 4 months, in which case the fees will be retained and carried over to the revised examination session. Any teacher unable to accommodate the revised examination dates may apply for a refund.

Resourse for teachers

Download a letter of advice for dance schools, guardians and parents