Health Protection Information and Guidance - Children and Young People

This page shares updated and current information from Public Health - Health Protection

For questions or further advice please contact - and .

 

 

Health protection guidance for managing cases of an infectious disease: Health protection in children and young people settings, including education.

 

Children, young people and staff who are showing the symptoms of an infectious disease or have been diagnosed by a health professional or diagnostic test should be advised to stay away from their education or childcare setting for the minimum period recommended, if required, and until well enough. Please view the exclusion table for further detail.

 

You will find the latest information on infectious diseases and management of outbreaks on this web page and also in the ‘Health Protection and Improvement’ section of the weekly schools' bulletin. 

 

You should contact your UKHSA HPT if there are:

• A higher than previously experienced and/or rapidly increasing number of staff or student absences due to acute respiratory infection.    
• Evidence of severe disease due to respiratory infection, for example, if a pupil,
  student, child or staff member is admitted to hospital. 
• More than one infection circulating in the same group of students and staff for example chickenpox and scarlet fever.
• A cluster of cases where there are concerns about the health needs of vulnerable staff or students within the affected group, including special educational needs schools.
• Contact UKHSA to discuss control of transmission in boarding or residential school environments. 
• Education and childcare settings are also asked to contact their UKHSA HPT as soon as possible to report any outbreak or serious or unusual illness for example E.coli 0157 or E coli STEC infection.

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The SW Health Protection Team looks forward to working alongside early years and education settings across the South-West for yet another school year to help prevent and manage cases and outbreaks of infectious diseases 

 

Here are some useful updates and resources for your setting – please keep this link on your desktop so that you have quick and easy access to them when you need them.

 

Flu Cases

Flu cases are rising, with rates now at medium levels  - the season started earlier than usual. Vaccination remains the most effective protection.

 

UKHSA also recommends the following to protect yourself and others:

 

1. If you are feeling unwell, stay at home 
2. If you’re meeting people indoors, open a window for fresh air. Just keep in mind the room temperature and whether anyone might be sensitive to the cold
3. Practise good hygiene: 
• cough into your bent elbow, or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin 
• wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
• clean your surroundings often, especially areas that are touched frequently such as door handles 
4. Wear a mask when you are unwell and need to go out

Please see the below for further information  

How to avoid catching flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses this winter  – UK Health Security Agency

  

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Caring for Children with Coughs

**NEW leaflet available for download** UoB_Childrens-cough_PDF-leaflet_A4.pdf 

 

Developed by researchers at the University of Bristol in collaboration with parents, the Caring for Children with Cough leaflet offers clear, practical advice on:

• How to care for a child with a cough at home
• When to seek medical advice
• Guidance on school and nursery attendance

This leaflet is already in routine use by local NHS services and has been well-received by families looking for reassurance and direction.

Visit the website and access the leaflet here.

 

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