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A PRIMARY school has cancelled Christmas celebrations due to a mutant superflu, as health officials urge parents to vaccinate their children to “protect the elderly.”
South Bank Primary School in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, announced that it “would not be safe” to proceed with its Christmas lunch, plays, and craft activities.
Credit: Google
A “tidal wave” of a new flu strain, referred to as ‘subclade K’ or H3N2, has resulted in record hospitalizations for this time of year.
Last week, an average of 1,700 patients were hospitalized with flu, marking an increase of over 50 percent compared to the same period last year.
Currently, at least four schools have closed as hundreds of staff and students fall ill, with headteachers remarking that it feels reminiscent of “Covid times.”
Budehaven Community School in Cornwall is the latest institution to close its doors due to an “unprecedented” rise in flu and Group A Streptococcus infections.
“To reduce the risk of further infection, Cornwall Council and the Chair of Governors have agreed that we will transition to a Remote Curriculum for all year groups on Thursday and Friday this week, December 11 and 12,” Headteacher Dominic Wilkes stated on Facebook.
Parents were anticipated to attend various festive activities at South Bank School in the upcoming weeks.
These included Christmas dinners for families on December 17 and 18, Christmas plays on December 9, 10, and 11, and a craft day on December 12.
However, Headmistress Tammy Cooper expressed that “it would not be safe” to hold these events, highlighting the importance of preventing a “significant outbreak” of flu among students and staff.
“Due to a considerable outbreak of influenza among staff and students, I believe it would not be safe to gather the school community at this time,” she remarked.
“Consequently, I have made the challenging decision to cancel all Christmas parental engagement activities, performances, and the Christmas lunch.”
“The children and staff have put in tremendous effort for their performances, and we will share videos of these on our Facebook page.”
Despite warnings that this could be the worst flu season on record, anticipated to peak during Christmas, fewer than half of children aged five to 14 have received their vaccinations, according to new data.
Health officials indicate that children are significantly more likely to contract and transmit flu, while older adults are at a higher risk of hospitalization if infected.
Caroline Temmink, the NHS director of vaccinations, stated: “As families prepare for festive gatherings, it’s now or never to get vaccinated against flu before Christmas.”
“Children are super-spreaders, and with flu cases rising swiftly among younger age groups, vaccinating children is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, especially for vulnerable grandparents and loved ones.”
SYMPTOMS OF SUBCLADE K
Although the dominant circulating strain differs from those seen in previous years, it typically produces standard flu symptoms, experts say.
Flu symptoms often appear “suddenly,” according to a Sun columnist and GP.
They include:
- Fever
- General malaise
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Sneezing and a runny nose
Flu may also lead to a sore throat, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, the NHS adds.
Additionally, children may experience earaches and low energy, Dr. Zoe notes.
“Children should stay home from school if they have a fever and/or feel too unwell to attend,” Dr. Zoe advised.
Individuals at higher risk of severe infection should also obtain their free flu vaccine if they haven't already, she added.
“Remember that it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective.”
Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water is crucial to prevent the spread of flu germs.
“Wearing a mask can help and indicates to others that you are trying to minimize transmission,” Dr. Zoe mentioned.
“Everyone should consider their own circumstances when it comes to interacting with family and friends during Christmas.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Christmas canceled at South Bank Primary School?
Christmas celebrations were canceled due to
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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