[9.11 UNNA]UNHA outlines measures to reduce impact of H1N1 flu in schools

渔音谦谦

UN health agency outlines measures to reduce impact of H1N1 flu in schools
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32022&Cr=H1N1&Cr1=
11 September 2009 – TheUnited Nations health agency today outlined steps schools can take toreduce the impact of the H1N1 influenza pandemic, drawing on the recentexperiences of several countries as well as studies of the consequencesof school closures.As of last week, nearly 2,840 deaths have been attributed to thepandemic, which continues to be the predominant circulating virus ofinfluenza both in the northern and southern hemispheres, according tothe World Health Organization (WHO), which also confirmed at least 254,000 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1.


People should wash their hands with soap and water, especially aftercoughing or sneezing as a precaution against influenza A(H1N1) virus

The agency saidtoday that experience to date has demonstrated the role of schools inamplifying transmission of the pandemic virus, both within schools andinto the wider community.
However, it added, that whileoutbreaks in schools are clearly an important dimension of the currentpandemic, “no single measure can stop or limit transmission in schools,which provide multiple opportunities for spread of the virus.”
WHO continues to recommend that students, teachers, and other staff whofeel unwell should stay home. In addition, plans should be in place,and space made available, to isolate students and staff who become illwhile at school.
Schools should also promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette andbe stocked with appropriate supplies. Proper cleaning and ventilationand measures to reduce crowding are also advised.
The measures set out by WHO can be adapted to local situations,available resources and the social role played by many schools, itsaid, adding that national and local authorities are in the bestposition to make decisions about how they should be implemented.

While the agency said it cannot provide specific recommendations for oragainst school closure that are applicable to all settings, it doesoffer some general guidelines.
It noted that school closure can operate as a proactive measure, aimedat reducing transmission in the school and spread into the widercommunity. The main health benefit of this comes from slowing down thespread of an outbreak within a given area.
“By slowing the speed of spread, school closure can also buy some timeas countries intensify preparedness measures or build up supplies ofvaccines, antiviral drugs, and other interventions,” said WHO.
School closure can also be a reactive measure, when schoolsclose or classes are suspended because high levels of absenteeism amongstudents and staff make it impractical to continue classes.
The agency pointed out that the timing of school closure is criticallyimportant, and that it has the greatest benefits when it is done veryearly in an outbreak, ideally before 1 per cent of the population fallsill. If schools close too late in the course of a community-wideoutbreak, the resulting reduction in transmission is likely to be verylimited, it added.
WHO said that when making decisions, health officials and schoolauthorities need to be aware of economic and social costs that can bedisproportionately high when viewed against potential benefits.
The main economic cost arises from absenteeism of working parents orguardians who have to stay home to take care of their children. Studiesestimate that school closures can lead to the absence of an additional16 per cent of the workforce on top of the regular levels.
At the same time, while school closure can reduce the peak demand onhealth care systems, it can also disrupt the provision of essentialhealth care, as many doctors and nurses are parents of school-agechildren, noted WHO.