AS CHILDREN return to their classrooms after the half term break families are being reminded of the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say the number of cases of flu and norovirus are higher than the 5-season average over the past two weeks.
Because of this parents are being urged to encourage good hygiene habits in their families.
This includes using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and regular hand washing with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser to stop the spread of germs.
Children are encouraged to stay in school or nursery with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough (if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature), but should stay home if they’re displaying symptoms such as having a fever (they should stay home until the fever has passed and they are well enough to attend) or diarrhoea and vomiting (children should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up).
Parents are also encouraged to get their children vaccinated.
All school age children, and those aged 2 years (who have turned 2 years old before the 1 September 2024) and up are eligible for the flu vaccine.
The UKHSA say it’s also important to ensure children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio.
Paul Fisher, Consultant in Health Protection with UKHSA West Midlands, said: “As children return to school after the half term holidays, it’s important that they get off to the best start possible ahead of winter.
“School attendance is important, not just for your child’s academic achievement, but for their wellbeing and wider development. Staying healthy and taking simple steps to reduce the spread of illness will ensure children and their families experience less disruption at this important time of year.
“Each winter, we see an increase in acute respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses, however it only takes simple steps to reduce the spread of most of these infections.
“By following advice on good hygiene habits, knowing when to keep your child off school and taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated, parents are protecting their children and the wider school community.”
