As we enter the winter season it’s time to get prepared as flu and covid can spread quickly in schools. The health and well-being of our children, staff, and community is our top priority. Please monitor your child for any signs of sickness and err on the side of caution if you feel they are unwell.

FLU

The influenza virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. The flu is normally worse than a cold and spreads quickly from person to person through touch and through the air.

Symptoms of influenza come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, and stomach upsets.

Signs and symptoms of influenza can include:

• fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea.

It may take between 1–4 days to feel symptoms after you catch influenza.

The worst symptoms usually last about 5 days, but coughing can last up to 2–3 weeks.

COVID

The positive case must isolate for 7 days. Please monitor your child and/or family members for symptoms only. If your child is well he/she may continue to come to school. If your child is sick or displays any symptoms please keep them home and get a test. If they return a negative result and are well, they can return to school. 

If they are positive email office@stanleybay.school.nz or phone the office 09 445 2510 and follow the guidelines above for a positive case. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 

● A new or worsening cough 

● Sneezing and runny nose 

● A fever 

● Tummy bug

● Sore throat 

● Shortness of breath 

Less common symptoms include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, or confusion/irritability. 

For more information, go to covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/about-covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/ Where you can get support If you need support during self-isolation, call the COVID Welfare Phone Line on 0800 512 337. 

They will connect you with someone who can help. This could be a local community organisation, a government agency, a marae-based service or support that iwi have established. 

For more information go to https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/getting-extra-support-if-you-have-covid-19-or-are-self-isolating/ Ngā mihi