Parents across Greater Manchester urged to keep children healthy and hygienic
The UK Health Security Agency has reported a rise in levels of winter illnesses such as flu, Covid-19 and norovirus
Parents across Greater Manchester are being given advice on keeping their children healthy and hygienic as they settle back into school after the Christmas break.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported a rise in levels of winter illnesses such as flu, Covid-19 and norovirus and have released simple steps to keep your children from spreading illnesses in the classroom. One of the main steps parents are being urged to follow is to teach good hygiene habits, this includes encouraging good hand washing as regularly washing your hands in soap and warm water for 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.
The advice has been put out in an aim to protect communities and keep attendance in education and childcare settings high this January. Dr Merav Kilner, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA NW, said “During the winter period, we see an increase in some of the common seasonal viruses which can disrupt children’s education and cause more serious illnesses”.
Along with rising cases of seasonal viruses the UK Health Security Agency has also seen higher levels of gastrointestinal infections such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Dr Iona Lyell is reminding parents of when it is necessary to keep your child home from school “If their children have mild symptoms like a sore throat or a runny nose but they’re otherwise well, then they can go into school. But if their children have symptoms like fever and diarrhoea and vomiting, that they should stay off school while they have those symptoms.” Knowing when to spot the signs of keeping your child home and stopping the spread of stomach bugs were two of the steps noted by the UKHSA.
Parents are also being reminded to get their children vaccinated as figures show that vaccine uptake amongst young children is one of the lowest, despite the age-group being more vulnerable in some cases. All primary-aged children, children aged 2-3 and 2–17-year-olds with long term health conditions are eligible to receive the flu vaccine until the 31st of March 2024.
The UK Health Security Agency recommends using NHS resources where you can find information on hygiene habits, vaccinations and guidance on managing winter illnesses.