This winter we are seeing a rise in seasonal colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses circulating within our communities, and our early learning services, kura and schools - This is the Advice from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand.

The more layers of protection you put in place – such as stay home if sick, washing your hands, vaccination, mask wearing and ventilation – the harder it will be for infection to spread.  

Staff, children and visitors on site should stay at home if they are unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. 

• It is important that people have time to recover from illness and are fit for work, care or school. For health advice, encourage people to visit KidsHealth or Health Navigator, or call Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116 for free health advice or information, or their general practitioner (GP).

Guidance on winter illness and children’s attendance at early learning services, kura and schools: 

Healthy young children can have up to 8 to 12 colds or upper respiratory tract infections each year and these are a normal part of childhood. 

With a rise in seasonal colds, flu and other respiratory infections already occurring in our communities, use this guidance to assist with decisions about children’s attendance when they are, or have been unwell: 

• A child should stay at home if they appear unwell or they develop one or more of these symptoms: new onset of a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, they are off their food and drink or show signs of feeling miserable. 

• If a child becomes increasingly unwell and/or you are concerned about their health, call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for medical advice. A child who is refusing to drink anything is likely to be very unwell. 

• If an in-person appointment is required for a child, follow your GP’s processes which will include having everyone who can practically and safely wear a mask to put one on. 

• If you or a child you are caring for develops difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, fainting or becomes unconscious, call 111 immediately. 

• For accurate and reliable information on how to manage colds and flus visit KidsHealth and Health Navigator.