‘Keep kids at home if unwell’: Schools issue advisories amid rise in seasonal influenza and H1N1

Delhi schools are tightening precautions as children report prolonged fever and respiratory symptoms, with advisories urging sick students to stay home

Several schools across Delhi have issued advisories to parents urging them not to send children to school if they develop flu-like symptoms, amid a rise in seasonal influenza and H1N1 cases in the capital and reports of children suffering from prolonged fever, cough and other respiratory ailments.

Delhi schools have issued advisories urging parents to keep children with flu-like symptoms at home (Representational image/AI)

South Delhi-based Tagore International School has asked parents to exercise caution and keep children at home when unwell.

“Do not send your ward to school if the child is experiencing cold, cough, sore throat, mild fever, body ache, unusual fatigue, or any other flu-like symptoms,” the school said in its advisory, adding that even mild symptoms should be taken seriously as children can transmit infections to classmates and teachers.

Principal Mallika Preman said the school has also advised parents to avoid crowded places wherever possible and wear masks when visiting such areas. It has asked children to wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser, and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Rohini-based Venkateshwar Global School has issued a similar advisory.

“Keep children at home if they show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body ache, headache, fatigue, or difficulty in breathing,” the school said. The advisory, issued by principal Namita Singhal, also asked parents to seek medical advice promptly if their child develops flu-like symptoms and ensure the child returns to school only after complete recovery and as advised by the treating doctor.

Another advisory by south Delhi-based The Indian School urged parents to remain vigilant for symptoms and inform the school if their child is diagnosed with H1N1, enabling the institution to further take necessary precautionary measures.

The advisories come as parents and teachers across the city report a rise in children falling sick for several days with flu-like symptoms.

“My daughter had a fever for nearly 10 days, and we eventually had to get her admitted to hospital for two days. We got all necessary tests done, including for dengue and H1N1, but all reports came back negative. The doctors said it was likely just viral fever,” said the mother of an eight-year-old Class 3 student at a private school in Mayur Vihar.

Maheish Mishra, whose 15-year-old daughter studies at Delhi Public School, Dwarka, said his daughter had also been unwell for a prolonged period and had to miss a major test at school.

Schools have also urged parents to inform class teachers if children develop flu symptoms so that necessary precautions can be taken.

The Delhi Parents Association has also called for a cautious approach.

“If a student is unwell and misses classes for two or three days, their health should take priority,” said advocate Manoj Kumar Sharma, its vice-president.

The rise in school illnesses comes against the backdrop of a sharp increase in H1N1 infections in Delhi. According to recent government data, the capital has recorded 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, including 114 new infections reported on August 20.