Wednesday, 4 January 2023 09:13

By Olivia Briggs

Parents at local schools and nurseries are being advised to keep their children off if they are unwell as winter illnesses are circulating.

The UK Health Security Agency have said there has been high levels of flu, covid and scarlet fever going around the north west so to eliminate the fast spread of these viruses, it has been advised to keep children off school and adults have been advised to wear face masks if they are feeling unwell too.

Prof Susan Hopkins, Chief medical Adviser at 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 hand washing 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 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. 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.”

To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/back-to-school-advice-issued-amid-high-levels-of-flu-covid-19-and-scarlet-fever