Delhi Schools Asked to Strengthen Seasonal Influenza, H1N1 Prevention and Health Awareness
New Delhi. : The Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi has advised government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools to strengthen awareness, prevention and preparedness against Seasonal Influenza and Swine Flu (H1N1).
The advisory asks school heads to reinforce health awareness and respiratory hygiene practices among students and staff. It also calls for a “Healthy School – Healthy Community” approach to prevent the spread of respiratory infections in school environments.
The advisory is based on the public health guidance issued by the Delhi State Health Mission.
Symptoms of Seasonal Influenza and H1N1
According to the advisory, symptoms that may be associated with seasonal influenza/H1N1 include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Body ache
- Headache
- Fatigue
Schools have been advised that there is no need for undue alarm, but timely awareness and responsible preventive practices remain important.
Delhi Schools Asked to Promote Respiratory Hygiene
Schools have been advised to encourage students and staff to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues properly.
Regular handwashing with soap and water should also be encouraged, particularly before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
Students and staff should avoid unnecessary close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms. Masks may be used where considered necessary.
Focus on School Hygiene and Ventilation
The Directorate has asked schools to ensure regular cleaning of classrooms, common areas and frequently touched surfaces.
Schools should also maintain adequate ventilation wherever feasible. Awareness should be created among students and staff about the importance of not spitting on school premises or in public places.
Healthy Habits Encouraged
Schools have also been asked to promote healthy lifestyle practices among students and staff, including:
- Adequate hydration
- Nutritious food
- Sufficient rest
- Personal hygiene
- Avoiding unnecessary face-touching
Students and staff should particularly avoid frequently touching their eyes, nose and mouth, as this can increase the risk of infection transmission.
Schools Asked to Discourage Self-Medication
The advisory specifically asks schools to discourage self-medication.
Students and staff should not take antibiotics or other medicines without appropriate medical advice. Schools should instead encourage individuals experiencing symptoms to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
Awareness to Extend Beyond Classrooms
Schools have been advised to disseminate information through multiple channels, including:
- Morning assemblies
- Classroom interactions
- Notice boards
- Parent communication channels
- School websites and digital platforms
The objective is to ensure that preventive information reaches not only students and school staff but also parents and the wider community.
District Officials to Monitor Compliance
The Directorate of Education has directed District and Zonal Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) to monitor implementation of the advisory.
The concerned authorities have also been asked to ensure compliance by schools and submit a compiled report to the Directorate of Education.
The advisory emphasises that simple preventive measures and timely awareness can help reduce the risk of a larger health concern in school communities.
Key Guidelines for Schools
Guidelines for Delhi Schools on H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Prevention
Schools have been advised to follow these measures:
- Promote respiratory hygiene: Students and staff should cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
- Encourage regular handwashing: Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
- Maintain distance when necessary: Students and staff should maintain an appropriate distance from people showing respiratory symptoms. Masks may be used where considered necessary.
- Maintain school cleanliness: Classrooms, common areas and frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Schools should maintain adequate ventilation wherever feasible.
- Discourage spitting: Students and staff should be made aware that spitting on school premises or in public places should be avoided.
- Promote healthy habits: Schools should encourage adequate hydration, nutritious food, sufficient rest and good personal hygiene.
- Avoid touching the face: Students and staff should avoid frequently touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
- Discourage self-medication: Antibiotics and other medicines should not be taken without medical advice.
- Spread awareness: Information should be shared through morning assemblies, classroom activities, notice boards, parent communication channels and school digital platforms.
- Monitor implementation: District and Zonal Deputy Directors of Education have been directed to monitor compliance and submit compiled reports to the Directorate of Education.
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