Parents have been urged to follow simple steps to reduce the spread of stomach bugs and winter illnesses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) North West issued this advice as children returned to school after the half-term break. There is concern that cases of flu and norovirus are on the rise as we move into the colder months.
Notably, norovirus activity in the last fortnight is more than twice the five-year average for this period, and flu cases have been steadily increasing. Dr Merav Kliner, regional deputy director of UKHSA North West, said: "As children return to school after the half-term holidays , it’s important that they get off to the best start possible ahead of winter. "Staying healthy and taking simple steps to reduce the spread of illness will ensure children and their families experience less disruption at this important time of year.
“Each winter, we see an increase in acute respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, however, it only takes simple steps to reduce the spread of most of these infections." Parents are urged to teach their children good hygiene habits, including washing hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser when convenient. This, according to the UKHSA, is 'one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.
' Additionally, parents need to know when to keep their children at home. Children showing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough can still attend school, provided they a.