Update Swine Flu – Mon 8th, 11pm

Wendy Alexander MSP, for Paisley North said:

“I had further discussions this evening with Dr Linda De Caestecker, Director of Public Health at Glasgow and Clyde Health Board about the most recent cases of swine flu. We have now had cases of the virus amongst pupils at Paisley Grammar, Gleniffer, Castlehead and today new cases confirmed in pupils who attend Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew and at St David’s/ Cochrane Castle primaries in Johnstone.

“This is obviously concerning to all parents. I spoke to the Director of Public Health en route to a meeting with local parents. I pressed her on why whole schools were not being closed to help contain the virus. She confirmed that keeping only the affected year group at home was based on the best advice from Health Protection Scotland.

I received reassurance that the approach to school closures was based on a common guidelines operating across Scotland based on an assessment of the circumstances in every school.

Clearly parents are worried. In a fast moving situation such as this it is harder to have too much information. So I again urged the Health Board and Scottish Government to consider more dedicated advice targeted at  here in Paisley.  We are a hot spot and need treated as such. All possible means including ads in local papers on radio and television are needed to reach everyone, because we all have a role in stopping the spread of the virus.

Further information for the public
An information leaflet is available from the Scottish Government and HPS websites. There is also an Influenza A(H1N1) question and answer document for members of the public on the HPS website. A specific question and answer page on issues surrounding schools is available on the Scottish Government website.
The Scottish Government has advised anyone in Scotland who develops flu-like symptoms or who has recently returned from one of the affected areas and is worried about their health to contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.