THE Gauteng education department says three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in public schools.

THE Gauteng education department says three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in public schools.

The department has also urged parents to stick to guidelines provided by the health department.

The guidelines are:

lParents should inform the principal of any chronic medical condition that might place their children at risk if they become infected. These are communicable diseases such as HIV-Aids and TB, diabetes, asthma and heart or lung disease.

lPupils' complaints of feeling ill should always be treated seriously.

lPupils displaying any of the symptoms of swine flu should be confined to a well-maintained sick bay until their parents have been contacted to fetch them.

lParents should keep their ill children at home until they have fully recovered or seek immediate medical attention.

lOn their return to school the principal should be provided with medical proof that the pupil has sufficiently recovered.

lPrincipals should report confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu to their district office.

lDetails of the pupils ailment, date of diagnosis, health institution and other relevant information should be recorded and stored safely.

l Non-stigmatisation of pupils must always be ensured.

lAbnormal absenteeism or increased reports of symptoms among staff members and pupils must be reported.

lThe district director or principal may issue notices to parents informing them of an outbreak at the school.

lProviding preventative medication to close contacts of an infected person will be on a case-by-case scenario.

lIn such cases, parents might be requested to grant permission for the administration of such medication.

To report any suspected cases, please contact the health department on 011-355-3867.