How to stay safe and have fun in the sun!
An update from the Devon County Council Health Protection Team:
Have fun in the sun
As we head into the summer months, staying safe in the sun is important. Please remember to encourage children to regularly use sunscreen (SPF 30 or over and offering UVA and UVB protection) both for time outdoors in the school day as well as on trips. Using sunscreen, clothing, hats and sunglasses to protect against UV rays is important. Consider planning time in the shade in the hottest part of the day and encouraging good hydration especially during active outdoor time. Sunscreen and sun safety – NHS
Enjoy the outdoors but be tick aware!
As more outdoor activities take place during the spring and summer it is important to be aware of the risk of tick bites to both children and staff. Tick bites are more common from spring to autumn as they are more active in warmer weather. In Devon we see high rates of Lyme disease which is spread by biting ticks. 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.
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 and adults 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.
Please advocate for vaccinations – encourage parents to check their child’s red book or contact their GP surgery to ensure they are up to date on all vaccines. Measles cases have increased in the UK over the past year, with outbreaks seen amongst unvaccinated groups. Rates are also higher in Europe and other parts of the world – increasing the chances of returning travellers transmitting the disease. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine offer protection, and anyone unvaccinated at any age can catch up with doses via their GP practice. Read more here Measles warning issued to Devon residents ahead of Summer holidays – One Devon.
If school trips abroad are planned, be aware that in some cases, extra vaccinations are required before travelling: Travel vaccination advice – NHS
How to prevent and manage seasonal illness cases and outbreaks
Early years and education colleagues should be made aware of the following information about how to prevent and manage seasonal illness cases and outbreaks and avoid absences/exclusions in your setting:
- A-Z of managing specific infectious diseases – GOV.UK – this useful guide provides a quick snapshot of what you can do to prevent and manage cases and outbreaks of common infectious diseases such as chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth, ring worm and lots more. It also guides you to when you should contact your local Health Protection Team. Please read the A-Z before contacting UKHSA SWHPT to report an outbreak: swhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Exclusions Table: Health protection in education and childcare settings – this useful table can be printed out for use by your reception team and for parents and carers to see.
We hope the above helps everyone keep health protection knowledge in mind, whilst enjoying supporting children’s learning!