At the beginning of the week the UK Health Security Agency issued the following regarding back to school advice amid high levels of flu, Covid-19 and scarlet fever being experienced across the country.
As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels, but following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.
If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading.
When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings unless urgent or visit vulnerable people.
Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. Please contact your GP. We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and, in some cases, can lead to more serious illness. Getting yourself and your child/ren vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.
