Is school closure effective in reducing the impact of flu pandemics?
24 July 2009 News Release issued by The Lancet 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 The Lancet Infectious Diseases 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, Depar
