2 weeks Ago
Parents have been urged to follow simple steps to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) North West issued this advice as children returned to school after the half-term break. There is concern that cases of flu and norovirus are on the rise as we move into the colder months.
Notably, norovirus activity in the last fortnight is more than twice the five-year average for this period, and flu cases have been steadily increasing. Dr Merav Kliner, regional deputy director of UKHSA North West, 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. "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 gastrointestinal illnesses, however, it only takes simple steps to reduce the spread of most of these infections." Parents are urged to teach their children good hygiene habits, including washing hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser when convenient. This, according to the UKHSA, is 'one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.
' Additionally, parents need to know when to keep their children at home. Children showing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough can still attend school, provided they are otherwise well and do not have a high temperature. However, children with a fever should stay at home until it subsides and they are well enough to attend.
Similarly, those with diarrhoea and vomiting should remain at home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up. The UKHSA also emphasised the importance of not preparing food for others or visiting people in hospitals and care homes if one is unwell. This precaution is necessary to avoid passing on the infection to more vulnerable people.
Vaccination is another key measure to protect against infections such as flu , which typically see a seasonal increase in winter. All primary school-age children, those aged two years (who have turned two-years-old before September 1, 2024), all three-year-olds, and secondary school children from Year 7 to Year 11 are eligible for the flu vaccine. The vaccine aims to protect the children themselves, the school community and elderly relatives.
Parents are also advised to ensure their children are up to date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and polio. The UKHSA is still seeing cases of measles , which is easily preventable with vaccination. Parents unsure of their child’s vaccination status can check their child’s red book or contact their local GP.
Dr Kliner said: "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.".
