Tadika Diyana

Influenza A(H1N1)

Dear Parents,

Precautionary Measures against Influenza A (H1N1)

As you may have already seen or read in the news media, there have been a number of confirmed cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) reported in our district. As a precautionary measure and to prevent the spread of this highly contagious influenza virus, you should keep your child at home if he or she exhibits flu-like symptoms, like fever, coughing, sneezing or headache. Also, as a preventative measure you should practice yourself and also emphasize with your children, frequent and thorough hand-washings, sneezing and coughing into tissues, as well as avoiding physical contact with people who exhibit flu-like symptoms.

What is Influenza A (H1N1)

Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory disease. It is caused by Type A influenza virus. In 2009, it has caused flu-like illness in Florida, the United States and in many countries around the world.

What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1)

The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) in people are similar to those of regular, seasonal flu. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, Influenza A may cause chronic medical conditions like respiratory disease, diabetes or heart disease to get worse.

What can I do to protect myself and my child from getting sick

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Influenza A (H1N1). Take these steps to help prevent the spread of flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Properly dispose of used tissues.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol- based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
• Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus

If you develop symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, please contact your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen.

What are the preventive measures taken by Tadika Diyana

We are currently undertaking all necessary precautionary measures, including disinfecting the premises to prevent the transmission of this disease.

• Children are reminded to carefully observe hand hygiene. They are to wash their hands frequently with hand sanitizer (provided in class), soap and water.
• Children are reminded not to share food with their peers.
• The air-conditioning system in the classroom and office environment is in proper condition. Air deodorizer has been used on daily basis before the commencement of the daily lesson.
• Tadika Diyana works closely with the Health Department on these issues. Tadika Diyana will be opened and closed by decision of the Local Authority.
• We seek your cooperation not to attend the kindergarten if your child has:



-   a fever, sore throat, running nose or shortness of breath for the past 7 days

-   travel history to any of the influenza-affected areas within the past 10 days

-   been in contact with anybody who had travelled to the affected countries or in contact with an influenza patient in the past 10 days



• In the interest of safety, any student who is deemed unfit to attend the kindergarten would be asked to leave the premises.
• Complete and return to us the Holiday Declaration Form provided to your child.

It is important to remember that the best personal defense is good hygiene, i.e., frequent hand washing. Good health is also important - eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising. We also strongly recommend that students and employees always bring with them an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, practice frequent and proper hand-washing, and strictly observe the proper etiquette if one is coughing or sneezing.

Everyone is highly encouraged to heed the advice of the government through the Ministry of Health. We would like to report that, at present; we have NO reported probable/suspected case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus among our students and employees. We attached herewith a declaration form for parents to complete and return to us in order to facilitate the teachers to closely monitor the child’s health. We are confident that with your support and cooperation, we will continue to enjoy an influenza-free, clean and safe environment.

Thank you for your cooperation.