Clarence High School on Pottery Road in Bengaluru has suspended offline classes until August 18 after a surge in fever, cough and cold cases among students and staff. Two H1N1 cases have also been confirmed, prompting the school to shift classes online as a precaution.
The school was initially closed on August 12 for deep cleaning and sanitisation and reopened the following day. However, more than 500 students remained absent after classes resumed, leading the management to suspend physical classes again.
Why Has Clarence High School Suspended Offline Classes?
More than 500 students were absent after the school reopened on August 13, accounting for around 20 per cent of its approximately 2,500 students. Most of the absent students reportedly had symptoms such as fever, cough and cold. The school’s first-aid centre also attended to 137 students. Of these, 15 were sent home and 19 were kept under observation. At least 21 staff members were also absent. With two H1N1 cases confirmed, the school suspended offline classes from August 14 to August 18.
Which Clarence High School Classes Are Online?
Students from Classes 6 to 12 are attending lessons online during the temporary suspension of physical classes. The Montessori and primary sections remain closed. The school said the temporary break would allow it to stabilise operations and introduce additional preventive measures.
What Concerns Has Clarence High School Raised About Street Vendors?
The school has also raised concerns about several street food vendors operating near its campus. The vendors reportedly include stalls selling kebabs, momos, ice cream, sugarcane juice, tender coconut, aerated drinks, snacks, sweet corn and South Indian food. The school has alleged that some vendors occupy footpaths and contribute to unhygienic conditions around the campus. It has also raised concerns about littering, alleged unauthorised vending and other activities around the school perimeter. However, there is no evidence in the information available that nearby vendors caused the H1N1 infections or the wider illness cluster.
What Action Has Clarence High School Sought?
The school has written to the block education officer and the city corporation health officer seeking intervention. It has requested health and safety inspections of food vendors near the school, action against unlicensed vendors and relocation of vendors to designated vending zones. The school has also sought enforcement of regulations concerning the sale of high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods near educational institutions.
What Is H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 is a type of influenza A virus, commonly known as swine flu. It became widely known during the 2009–10 flu pandemic and is now one of the viruses that can cause seasonal influenza. The infection can cause fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, body aches, chills, headache and tiredness. Some people, especially children, may also have vomiting or diarrhoea.
H1N1 refers to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: Hemagglutinin type 1 (H1) and Neuraminidase type 1 (N1).
What Are The Common Symptoms?
H1N1 can cause symptoms similar to other types of flu, including:
•   Sudden fever
•   Cough and sore throat
•   Runny or blocked nose
•   Body aches and muscle pain
•   Headache and chills
•   Tiredness and weakness
•   Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in some children
How Is H1N1 Diagnosed?
Doctors may test for influenza using a nasal or throat swab. Testing can include a real-time RT-PCR test, which can identify the influenza virus, or certain rapid flu tests.
How Is H1N1 Treated?
Most people recover with rest and supportive care. Treatment may include:
•   Antiviral medicines: Drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be prescribed, especially for people at higher risk of complications. They generally work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
•   Rest and fluids: Getting enough rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help with recovery.
•   Fever relief: Medicines such as paracetamol may help reduce fever and body aches when used as directed.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Severe symptoms may require urgent medical attention. Seek medical care if there is difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, severe weakness, confusion, or symptoms that are getting worse instead of improving.
Can H1N1 Be Prevented?
Yes. Seasonal flu vaccination can help protect against H1N1, along with other influenza strains included in the vaccine.
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