The flu is back with a vengeance, and it's hitting schools hard! But this time, it's not just about COVID-19.
Some schools are facing disruptions as flu cases surge, with rates of reported illnesses in educational settings surpassing last year's figures. This has prompted a return to familiar COVID-19 measures to curb the spread.
A primary school in Leeds has taken action by reducing singing in assemblies and setting up sanitization stations, while a school in Caerphilly temporarily closed its doors. The early arrival of flu season has led to hospitals requesting staff, patients, and visitors to wear face masks, reminiscent of the pandemic era.
The Association of School and College Leaders acknowledges the challenges, confirming winter illnesses are disrupting multiple schools across the UK. However, the Department for Education (DfE) in England maintains that school closures should be a last resort, reserved for extreme situations.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data reveals a stark contrast between this year and last. In the last week of November, 107 acute respiratory incidents were reported in English educational settings, compared to just 15 in the same period last year. Among these, 17 were identified as influenza, with two schools reporting COVID-19 as the culprit.
A new H3N2 'subclade K' variant is circulating, a mutated strain of the seasonal influenza A virus, which has caught many off guard due to its rarity in recent years. This lack of exposure has resulted in lower immunity against it.
The impact is evident in Leeds, where Wigton Moor Primary School has implemented COVID-19-style measures, including opening windows and sanitization stations. The headteacher, Elaine Bown, describes it as the worst year for sickness in her nearly 14 years of teaching.
St Martin's School in Caerphilly took the drastic step of temporarily closing for a 'firebreak' period after over 250 pupils and staff fell ill. Similarly, a primary school in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, experienced COVID-19-level sickness, with 170 pupils absent in a single day.
DfE guidance encourages schools to prioritize ventilation, handwashing, and vaccinations. While stressing the importance of attendance, it also advises that most mild illnesses don't warrant school absences. The guidance suggests that schools can implement measures to reassure parents, acknowledging that they know their children best.
Regional variations exist in flu management strategies. Scotland emphasizes regular handwashing and staying home when unwell, while the Welsh government and the Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland highlight the importance of hand hygiene and vaccinations for school-age children.
Pepe Di'Iasio, ASCL general secretary, acknowledges the difficulties schools face in managing flu and other winter illnesses. He assures that schools will keep parents and students informed of any measures taken, which may include partial or full closures in severe cases.
The DfE spokesperson confirms the high flu levels and foresees a challenging winter for the NHS. They emphasize the importance of school attendance while providing guidance to manage children's well-being and minimize disruption.
