Is school closure effective in reducing the impact of flu pandemics?

Is school closure effective in reducing the impact of flu pandemics?. Closing schools may reduce the total number of flu cases, but there are costs, say scientists - %0A > - Click here to read a brief explanation of the study by Dr Cauchemez For Immediate Release - Monday 20 July 2009 A paper in the August edition of examines the health, social, and economic impact of closing schools during flu pandemics. The Review draws on evidence from previous epidemics and pandemics from around the world, and concludes that early and prolonged school closure can substantially ease the burden on saturated hospitals by reducing the number of cases at the peak of the pandemic. However, the intervention is unlikely to have a major impact on the total number of cases, is associated with high social and economical costs, and can potentially disrupt health care systems and other key services. The Review concludes that the final decision to close schools for prolonged periods should carefully consider the severity of the pandemic, and is written by Dr Simon Cauchemez and Professor Neil Ferguson , Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, UK, and colleagues. One in seven cases of bird flu could be prevented by closing schools in event of pandemic, says study - With more than 60% of cases aged 18 or younger in the current H1N1 flu pandemic, children appear to be important vectors of transmission, and are more infectious and susceptible to most flu strains than are adults.