Bug Free

Currently, we have high levels of sickness throughout the school. This ranges from coughs and colds to vomiting and diarrhoea. While these are not uncommon at this time of year, we would like to remind you of some of the easy steps you can take to decrease the chances of these bugs spreading.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea

To stop the spread of these common conditions, students are not permitted at school until well and for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Other things to do at home to prevent the spread:

• Don’t prepare or handle food for at least 48 hours after the symptoms stop.
• Immediately remove and wash any contaminated clothes and bedding using detergent and hot water.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based disinfectant.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry.

Coughs and colds

Find out about what causes colds and how to manage the symptoms. You can also read about acute sinusitis and whether you should give over-the-counter cold medicines to children.

Coughs are common in children, and more common during winter. Most coughs aren't anything to worry about, but any cough that lasts more than four weeks or happens with other problems (like a fever or difficulty breathing) need to be checked out by a health professional.

Croup is a viral illness that causes inflammation in a child's windpipe, and can cause a cough that often sounds like barking.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is very serious in children under 2 years, and in particular in babies under 3 months old.

Bronchiolitis is a chest condition that affects breathing in babies. It is caused by a virus that is very contagious and is more common during winter and spring.

Acute bronchitis is a chest infection that is usually caused by a virus and follows a cold or flu. It usually gets better on its own, within one to three weeks. It can sometimes lead to pneumonia, which can be more serious.

Most winter infections and illnesses don't need to be treated with antibiotics as antibiotics don't work against viruses.

What you can do to stay well this winter

There are several things you can do to help keep yourself and your family well during the colder months.

• Keep warm both indoors and outdoors. Read tips about keeping your home warm and dry, including information on what financial help you might be able to get.
• Practise good hygiene to avoid picking up and passing on the bugs that cause winter illnesses. Make sure you know how to wash your hands properly, and how to cover your coughing and sneezing.
• Get the flu vaccination for you and your family. It makes it much less likely you'll catch the flu or become very sick if you do catch it.
• Stop the spread of germs at home – read tips for cleaning, hand washing, and caring for your family when someone is sick.
• Eat well and keep active to maintain your overall health.

If you live alone and become unwell over winter, don't be afraid to ask your neighbours for help.

The information above is from: https://www.healthinfo.org.nz/ 

Another helpful site is: https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tags/childhood-illness-basics