London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – In an effort to prevent the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding parents of the simple steps they can take.
The UK is now starting to witness cases of flu and norovirus growing as the country heads into the winter months, with norovirus movement in the past two weeks more than double the 5-season average for the same 2-week period and flu steadily increasing over the past few weeks.
What steps can parents take to ensure good hygiene?
Parents are advised to encourage good hygiene habits in their households, such as handwashing and utilising a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes. Children are urged to stay in school or nursery with signs such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough (if otherwise well and do not have a high temperature), but should remain 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 diarrhea and vomiting (children should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up).
UKHSA urges not to prepare food for others if one has such symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. All children must be allowed to start the year in good health, which is why it’s essential not to return to school, nursery or work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
What are the benefits of flu vaccination for children?
Moreover, it highlights that Infections such as flu, which catch a seasonal increase in winter, are easily defended against with vaccination. All primary school-age children, those aged 2 years (who have turned 2 years old before the 1 September 2024) and all 3-year-olds (and secondary school children from Year 7 to Year 11) are qualified for the flu vaccine, which beyond protecting the children themselves and the school community, will also rescue elderly relatives.
Dr Richard Pebody, Director, of Clinical & Emerging Infections at UKHSA, 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. 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.
UKHSA’s e-bug resources for all ages can help you to explain and discuss hygiene habits and their importance, to your child or teenager.”