H1N1 surge: Delhi schools ask parents to keep symptomatic children at home

Several schools in Delhi have advised parents to keep children at home if they develop fever or flu-like symptoms as cases of seasonal influenza and H1N1 continue to rise across the national capital.

The advisories come after the Delhi government issued a public health notice urging residents to take precautions against the spread of swine flu.

The health department has recommended wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms and seeking medical care if symptoms are severe or persist.

Delhi has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases so far this year, according to health department data. As many as 114 new infections were reported on Thursday.

"In view of the recent increase in cases of viral fever, flu-like illness, including sore throat respiratory infections and H1N1, parents are strictly advised to keep children at home if they are unwell or have a fever and seek medical advice, as appropriate."

The school also cautioned that "sending an unwell child to school can put other students at risk of infection and may lead to serious health complications".

"Parents are requested to strictly adhere to this advisory and send children to school only when they are fully fit to attend," it added.

The National Progressive Schools' Conference has also issued precautionary guidelines for students to help curb the transmission of seasonal influenza and H1N1. Students have been advised to avoid crowded areas, refrain from touching their faces and maintain proper hand hygiene.

The advisory further urged parents not to send children to school if they show flu-like symptoms. Students and parents have also been asked to inform the class teacher if a child develops such symptoms.