“Stomach bugs spread easily in schools and nurseries”
Half term has come and gone, with children now having returned to school for the final run up to the end of term. There is now a considerable increase in the number reported cases of illnesses such as flu and norovirus across the country – deemed to be greater than would normally be the case, according to newly published guidance from the UK government.
They quote the UK Health Security Agency, which is reminding parents and others responsible for looking after children of “the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses.”
The guidance centres on a number of key elements, including:-
- The importance of teaching good hygiene habits
- Knowing when a child should be kept at home
- How to minimise the spread of various illnesses
- How vaccinations may be helpful.
Why the teaching of hand washing is so important
Good hand washing skills are vital – for everyone. Which is why it’s so important to teach youngsters not only how to do it, but when. And it’s really important now with the onset of winter. Norovirus (the “winter vomiting bug”) activity has been “more than double the 5-season average for the same 2-week period” over the last fortnight. Flu cases have also been “steadily increasing” says the UKHSA.
“Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser when convenient, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.”
If a child has vomiting and diarrhoea, keep your child off school or nursery says the report. “Stomach bugs spread easily in schools and nurseries.”
If someone has these dreadful symptoms, everyone needs to be particularly diligent with their own hand hygiene.
“If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.”
Runny noses, a bit of a cough and a slight sore throat are not a significant issues says the article: children should still be OK to attend preschool. Symptoms that include a high temperature – and of course vomiting and diarrhoea – mean that children should stay at home until fully recovered says the UKHSA.
UKHSA issues health advice following the half-term break »
Encourage children to wash their hands
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