Edgehill students appear in quick recovery

Things are slowly returning to normal at Kings Edgehill School and further steps have been taken to protect staff and students. Tamiflu, an anti-viral oral medication was voluntarily administered to students during a clinic today, April 29. “The Tamiflu enhances their chances that the virus in contained and students can move back and forth in the community with confidence,” says Noella Whelan, a public health official. Individual students, teachers and family members were given the option to receive a 10-day treatment.

Tamiflu is used to treat and prevent influenza, and is a standard proactive practice in residential facilities. Whelan said the situation at the school is an appropriate use of the medication.

Joe Seagram, school headmaster, said this is good protocol on the part of Capital Health to help protect students and the community.

Although 53 suspected cases of the swine influenza have put a 'cluster' of students in isolation, there remain to date only four confirmed cases of the virus. The isolation period is a precaution, according to Whelan.

Once the seven-day isolation period has ended, the students are free to return to class even before the results of the swab are returned. “This strain has a seven-day incubation period, once that has passed those not showing further symptoms they are free to return to class.”

She notes that the virology lab in Winnipeg that is responsible for testing for the virus is swamped with requests and is taking much longer to release results. “What we’re dealing with here, is a couple of kids with the flu,” said Dr. Kasmirski, school physician and Chief of Staff at Hants Community Hospital. He said it was fortunate the school was able to indentify the first four cases and deal with isolating them quickly. “We do have an influenza situation in the community now, people are coming in with symptoms of the flu.” However, he notes whether the culprit is the swine strain, remains to be seen.

Seagram said parents of students have expressed their concern and say they appreciate the regular updates provided by the school. “The sheer volume raises anxiety and some of the information reported by the media has been distorted. It's cruel and unfair to our students.”

He added he is proud of the way the community has supported the school throughout this crisis. “No one is pointing the finger and the trip was a great opportunity for the students, despite the unfortunate outcome.” Talking openly, he said, will help to easy and fears the public may have.

Head students 17 year-old Omar Mullick and 18 year-old Ashley Snow have spoken publicly on behalf of their classmates. “Everyone is very positive and the mood is gradually getting better,” Snow said. She was among the students who received the first Tamiflu dose today.

The 'cluster' students are recovering nicely and have been out playing soccer together, she said. Homework is posted daily on the school website, “It is concerning, but day by day there is more positive feedback.” Some students choose to spend their isolation period off of school property and she said it is really up to the individual students and their parents to decide how they feel about the situation. She added she’s comfortable staying on campus and has not experienced any flu-like symptoms.

Omar Mullick said there has been an optimistic response from students. “The atmosphere of the school is getting much better and students are keen to get back to normal, and get better.” He adds that the preventative measures taken by the school have been great at nipping the virus. “This is the fastest action the school could have taken.”

In the meantime, Seagram said more and more students are returning to class and spirits are high. “There is more humor and energy and fewer people in isolation,” he said. Some school events such as the annual cadet inspection and the spring concert have been canceled, but he is confident they will be rescheduled soon. “We're taking it day by day. I believe we've turned the corner.”