In light of the current swine flu scare in Grahamstown, Rhodes University cancelled all sport for a week (see ‘related links’ below), and some local schools have also taken a cautious approach with regards to sporting activities.
In light of the current swine flu scare in Grahamstown, Rhodes University cancelled all sport for a week (see ‘related links’ below), and some local schools have also taken a cautious approach with regards to sporting activities.
Piet Snyders, principal of Hoerskool PJ Olivier, said that while the school has cancelled all sports events, there have been no reported cases of swine flu. "Parents have been advised of the necessary precautions and have been informed that school will only close when the department advises usto do so," Snyders added.
"We are not doing any extra-mural activities and sports matches have been cancelled", said Christine Jones, principal of Victoria Primary School. She said that no learners have been confirmed as having contracted the H1N1 virus, but a number of girls are absent due to flu.
Anna Retief from Victoria Girls’ High School said that more pupils than normal have caught the usual late winter bout of flu and they hope things will be better after the long weekend. However, she did add that "schools we play against have cancelled sports events".
Kerry Peter, Rhodes University Communications co-ordinator, said that the university is monitoring two possible cases of swine flu. One student was admitted to Settler’s Hospital last Tuesday while the another has returned home to East London for care while she recovers. "A third student was confirmed last Thursday of having the H1N1 virus and has left Grahamstown to seek treatment and be with family," she added.
The principal of Graeme College, Peter Reed said one case had been confirmed, "The boy is not in hospital, he is recovering at home."
Karen Porter, a pharmacist at Wallace’s Phamarcy said, "Sales of Tamiflu have increased, the medication is available in store but on prescription." Also, Wimpie Bosch, a pharmacist at Grahamstown Pharmacy said, "The sales of the medication have increased this week. Tamiflu is an anti-viral medication that is given to somebody who has been diagnosed with swine flu. It is not used to prevent flu."
Medical practises in Grahamstown have been busy with patients coming in with flu symptoms. "People are panicking and running here with runny noses," said one doctor who was too busy to answer any further questions. Bosch believes that "people are overreacting a bit about this whole thing."
