Health Advice
Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,
For the past three weeks, in line with ESF and CHP advice, we have been very closely monitoring attendance and our nurse’s medical records. Our Middle and Senior School Section Administrators were asked to assiduously check on absences and any patterns across tutor groups. Our site team have increased the frequency of disinfection in classrooms to prevent any spread of infection. We have not yet noticed a spike in absence but we will continue to monitor this.
Given recent instances of influenza and Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, we would like everyone in our Sha Tin College community to be aware of this guidance for dealing with sickness.
The normal body temperature is 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius. If you are unwell, please stay at home. This should reduce the spread of bacteria or viruses. You should also consider consulting a medical professional for early medical intervention.
Some early signs of influenza and infectious disease are:
1. Hypothermia (body temperature below 35.8 degrees Celsius)
2. Headache
3. Fever
4. Blistering
5. Muscle aches
6. Soreness
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Fatigue
9. Runny nose or stuffy nose
The links below are for further reading:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/influenza-a-symptoms#symptoms
Of course, it is always sensible to follow the Centre for Health Protection’s advice for personal hygiene which is:
- Wash hands frequently and properly with liquid soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand rub containing 70-80% alcohol, if this is possible. Wash or clean hands most especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public areas such as handrails, doorknobs, sinks or light switches.
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Do not spit. Dispose of tissues soiled with nasal and mouth discharges in a lidded rubbish bin.
- Wear a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop.
- Maintain good indoor ventilation and avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places.
- Make good quality sleep a top priority.
- Eat nutritious and health-promoting foods.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Ms Evie Tsao
School Health Professional
