Cold and Flu Season
As you are aware we are heading into the colder months which bring with them a higher incidence of colds and flu.
In a school setting we are seeing a marked increase in the number of unwell students with cold and flu like symptoms, which in turn exposes the whole School community to infection and risk of spreading the contagious viruses further.
Please be aware of your child’s health and if they are experiencing any cold/flu/COVID symptoms. As described below, keep them at home, do a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and where appropriate seek medical attention.
Accessing the annual flu vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone from six months of age and is free for high-risk groups.
Signs & Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease. Symptoms include:
• fever
• cough
• headache
• myalgia
• lethargy
• coryza
• sore throat
Most symptoms resolve within two to seven days, although the cough may persist for longer. Complications of influenza include middle-ear infections, secondary bacterial pneumonia, and exacerbation of underlying chronic health conditions.
To read more on Influenza click here.
Signs & Symptoms of COVID
| Fever | Diarrhoea | Red or irritated eyes |
| Chills or shivers | Loss of taste or smell | Tiredness |
| Cough | Sore throat | Brain fog |
| Sneezing | Headache | Chest pain |
| Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath | Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion | Rash on skin or discolouration on fingers and toes |
| Dizzy or light-headed | Aches and pains | Hoarse voice |
| Runny nose or congestion | Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite |
To read more on COVID click here.
Additional measures to prevent the spread of influenza include:
- Hand hygiene, surface cleaning and correct cough/sneeze etiquette
- Use of face masks
- People with influenza-like illness (ILI) should limit use of, or avoid, public transport and self-exclude from school, childcare, work, or public gatherings
- People with an ILI should not visit family or friends in high-risk settings such as residential care facilities or hospitals.
Influenza and COVID are both notifiable diseases, as they are both highly contagious infections. Exclusion from School and childcare is recommended for Influenza until symptoms resolve. For individuals with COVID, isolation at home for five days after testing positive is strongly encouraged, until symptoms resolve.
Please read the following information from the Victorian Health Department regarding Influenza. For the current COVID protocols please visit the COVID Update tile on mystcatherines.
If you have any queries, please contact the School Nurses on 9828 3085 or email nurses@stcatherines.net.au or discuss with your medical practitioner.
Fact Sheet: St Catherine’s School COVID-19 Protocols 2023
If you have any questions relating to COVID processes and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Gina Peele, Deputy Principal – School Operations via email gpeele@stcatherines.net.au
