Keeping safe this summer – update from Public Health

Enjoy the outdoors but be tick aware!

As more outdoor activities take place during the summer term it is important to be aware of the risk of ticks to both children and staff.

Ticks are more common from spring to autumn and in Devon we see high rates of Lyme disease which is spread by tick bites. Please watch our video (1min watch) where a member of public in Devon explains her experience of a tick bite, plus look at this UKHSA advice to help reduce the risk of tick bites including the importance of checking yourself/children/pets for ticks after activities and how to act quickly if bitten by a tick.

Hand hygiene for holiday activities – really important for animal contact

Hand hygiene is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep everyone healthy. Helping younger children and encouraging older ones to model good hygiene can be helpful.

Associating handwashing with a catchy song, can make it fun and help good habits stick – so as hands are routinely washed before meals, after bathroom use, and after outdoor play or contact with animals. Tell children why it’s important (e.g. to avoid getting an upset stomach and passing bugs to young or elderly family who might get very sick).

Hygiene is especially important when in contact with farm or zoo animals – consider what surfaces children have touched (with hands, clothing, footwear and any other items) and what bugs might get taken home with them as an unwanted gift. Engaging parents to reinforce good practices at home and teaching children proper handwashing can reduce illnesses – keeping experiences more fun for all. Reduce the risk of infection by washing your hands thoroughly.

If anyone feels unwell or has any symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting within 2 weeks of visiting a farm, contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible. If you or anyone has diarrhoea with blood in it, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Ensure children are up to date with vaccinations

Vaccines provide the best protection against many common but potentially serious illnesses. Over the past decade, fewer children are getting routine vaccines, putting them at risk of serious disease.

Children that are up to date with their NHS vaccination schedule, will be protected against diseases like whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella  – for healthier school and holiday times and some lifelong immunity.

Unvaccinated children are at higher risk of contracting illnesses, getting more severe symptoms and spreading diseases to others. Check your child’s red book then contact your GP surgery to ensure they are up to date on all vaccines.
Be aware that in some cases, extra vaccinations are required before travelling abroad: Travel vaccinations – NHS

Have fun in the sun

Please remember to apply high factor sunscreen (over SPF 20,  that offers UVA and UVB protection) to children, for any skin exposed to the sun, and use clothing, hats and sunglasses to protect against UV rays. Consider spending time in the shade in the hottest part of the day and keep hydrated (drink lots of water) especially during outdoor activities. Sunscreen and sun safety – NHS