As children across the country return to their classrooms after the half term break, the Government’s UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding parents of the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses to ensure that their family stays healthy.
Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser, is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. The UKHSA’s e-bug resources can help you to explain and discuss hygiene habits and their importance, to your child or teenager.
Stomach bugs spread easily in schools and nurseries, so it’s important not to return to school, nursery or work until 48 hours after diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms have stopped. Visit the NHS website for more guidance about managing winter illness at home.
Children aged two and three years old and all primary school and secondary school aged children up to Year 11 are eligible for the flu vaccine. It’s also important to ensure your children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations, which protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and polio.
Don’t forget to download the HANDi app for up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. Parents answer a series of questions about the symptoms their child is experiencing. The app then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, to make a GP appointment, or to head to A&E.