As the new school term begins, health officials are urging parents to take basic measures to keep their children healthy. Winter often sees a surge in common viruses like chickenpox, norovirus, and flu, which can result in children missing school. Parents need to follow the advice and protect not just their children but the broader community as well.
Dr. Catherine Falconer of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that viruses that disrupt children’s education and cause more serious illnesses can spread through the winter period. Parents can take the following measures to keep their children healthy:
1. Teach good hygiene habits like frequent hand-washing, as it can effectively stop the spread of viruses that can live on our hands. Clean hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser. Tissues should be used to catch coughs and sneezes, they should be disposed of afterward, and hands should be washed thoroughly.
2. Measures must be taken to prevent the spread of stomach bugs like norovirus and E. coli. Bleach-based products will help prevent the spread of such bugs, along with washing hands with soap. Symptoms of stomach bugs include diarrhoea and vomiting, and those who experience these symptoms should avoid preparing food for others.
3. Children must stay at home from school or nursery if they have a high temperature (fever) and are unwell, and wait until they recover before returning. Children who have diarrhoea and/or vomiting must wait 48 hours before returning to stop the spread of stomach bugs. Though if they have a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough without a high temperature, it is better to allow them to go to school, nursery or childcare.
4. Vaccination uptake among pre-school children is surprisingly low, despite illnesses like flu sometimes being more severe for this age group. Parents are recommended to take advantage of the “quick and painless” nasal spray for children, which is the best prevention against flu. They should also ensure that their children stay up-to-date with all their vaccinations, including those that protect against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and polio.
5. Parents can browse NHS resources for online advice, which provides plenty of detail about how parents can keep their children healthy.
By following these steps, parents can protect the health and wellbeing of their children and the wider community during the winter months
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