Parents’ role in fighting Influenza B spread in Malaysian schools

Making children wear masks in schools should be a practice these days (Pic courtesy of Shah)

AS A parent in Malaysia, the health and well-being of my children have always been my top priority. Schools are crucial for their social development, but they also serve as breeding grounds for germs and viruses like Influenza B, which can negatively impact our children’s health. Recently, the rise in Influenza B cases has become a significant concern, requiring both parents and school administrators to focus on reducing the spread of the virus.

What Is Influenza B?

Influenza B is a type of virus that thrives during certain seasons, particularly affecting children and young adults. Although it is common, the flu can cause severe illness, especially in children. It spreads easily and can infect large groups quickly. Students often fall ill within two to three weeks, showing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. Therefore, parents should be able to recognise these symptoms early to prevent the illness from spreading rapidly through schools.

School Environment and Virus Spread

Schools play a crucial role in educating the next generation and foster- ing socialisation. However, they are also environments where infectious diseases can spread quickly. As the school year progresses, parents are becoming increasingly concerned about flu outbreaks. We, as parents, are urged to stay vigilant and watch for symptoms in our children.

I recall receiving an update about rising flu cases among students, but there was no mention of issuing letters of concern to parents. Instead, there was encouragement for parents to play a role in managing illness and controlling the outbreak.

Impact on Academic Performance

When a child falls sick, there is an undeniable loss of education. Students who are absent from school risk falling behind on lessons and assignments, which is especially concerning in today’s highly competitive academic environment. As a parent, I believe that while my children can achieve high academic standards — within certain limitations — health must always come first, which is just common sense. During flu season, both their studies and health can be affected.

This is why many schools, particularly in Malaysia, have adopted blended learning methods, incorporating Internet-based systems that have proven invaluable during flu outbreaks. It allows sick students to attend classes online, helping them keep up with their studies while minimising the risk of spreading illness to others.

Prepare for Eventualities

As parents, it is essential to collaborate with schools and contribute to precautionary measures. Thankfully, many institutions have already begun implementing various strategies aimed at reducing the transmission of the flu, such as:

• Health Education

Schools teach children the importance of regular hand washing, keeping hands away from their mouths and noses and avoiding sharing items like drinks and snacks.

• Vaccination Programmes

It is crucial for parents to advocate for vaccinating their children against the flu. Schools that organise vaccine campaigns help remind parents to vaccinate their children. Ensure your child receives the seasonal flu vaccine, which can reduce the severity of the illness or prevent it altogether.

• Classroom Hygiene

Many schools are enhancing the cleanliness of their facilities by wiping down surfaces, sanitising regularly and improving ventilation by opening classroom windows.

• SickPolicies

Students should be aware of when they need to stay home from school and when it’s safe to return after recovering. Illness should not be stigmatised and students should be encouraged to stay home for as long as needed to fully recover.

Parental Involvement

Parents play a crucial role in encouraging their children to maintain a healthy, open attitude toward health education and self-aware- ness. Consistently reinforcing the importance of nutritious meals is also essential. Parents should teach their children how to identify flu symptoms, practise prevention methods and adopt general health practices that empower them to recognise when to seek help.

Additionally, attending meetings or forums organised by schools to address health-related concerns fosters better collaboration between parents and school authorities. This collective effort ensures that every child receives the necessary support during flu seasons.

In conclusion, Influenza B presents significant challenges in Malaysian schools, particularly for children. As parents, we must advocate for preventive measures and take a proactive role in safeguarding our children’s health. Together, we can navigate flu season while ensuring our children continue to thrive both healthily and academically.