03/01/2023 - Permalink

News from our partners: Back to school advice issued amid high levels of flu, COVID-19 and scarlet fever

Related topics: Children's services / Community / Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break, UKHSA is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.

White skinned child sneezes into a tissue

Winter viruses are circulating at a high level

 

Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.

Flu and coronavirus (causing COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. 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.

Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent.

Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus. 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 your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late.

Eligible children include:

  • those aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2022
  • all primary school-aged children
  • some secondary school-aged children.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s executive director of public health, said:-

Health services in Shropshire are currently under pressure, as winter viruses continue to circulate at high levels.  We support the advice from UKHSA encouraging handwashing, taking up the offer of vaccinations and staying at home if you or your child are unwell and have a fever.  Make sure you are choosing the right service for your needs, including NHS Online, in order to help the NHS to help you at this busy time.

You can get more information getting your child vaccinated against flu on NHS.UK.