Health experts in the Black Country are sharing their guidance for families on how to keep common winter illnesses at bay as children return to the classroom.
Minor ailments such as coughs, colds and stomach bugs tend to increase dramatically when children go back to school, and these can lead to missed school days as well as spreading to the rest of the household.
But there are some simple things that young people and their families can do, to increase their protection against the illnesses caused by the most common winter bugs:
• Good hand hygiene is essential – Regular hand washing with soap and water helps prevent the spread of winter illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs, as well as COVID-19. Hands should be washed with warm water and liquid soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying thoroughly. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. This sing-along video by local NHS workers shows children the best technique for washing their hands.
• Eat well and get active – As the weather begins to cool and the days shorten, it is tempting to stay indoors and turn to comfort food, but regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are the best ways to boost your family’s immune system and help you fight off troublesome winter bugs.
• Self-care where appropriate – If someone in your household does come down with something, many minor illnesses can be treated very effectively at home. Advice from the NHS on how to manage a wide range of ailments is available online or you can talk to your local pharmacist.
• Get vaccinated when eligible – If your family is not protected against COVID-19 yet, it’s never too late to take up the offer. The free annual flu jab is also coming soon for children and those who are most at risk from the virus, and families are reminded to take up the offer of vaccination for their child and any vulnerable loved ones as soon as they are invited. If your child is starting school for the first time this year, it is vital to ensure they are up to date with their early years vaccinations such as MMR.
Dr Tania Hussain, a local GP and NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s clinical lead for children and young people, said: “At this time of year it’s common for all sorts of bugs to spread when children return to school and are in close contact with lots of different people, at a time when winter illnesses are naturally on the rise.
“But by following good hand hygiene practices, making healthy lifestyle choices, and taking up any offers of vaccination, you give your family the best chance of keeping the bugs at bay.
“If your child is unwell, it can be tricky deciding whether to keep them off school. However, if they have a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, or symptoms of coronavirus, you should keep them at home and notify the school as soon as possible.
“And please remember that the NHS is here for you. If your child is unwell and you are worried, for example if their symptoms persist after following advice or seem to be getting worse – or if you are in any doubt at all – visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for further advice, or talk to your GP practice.”
