The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised people to wear face masks if they feel ill as winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.
The UKHSA issued the important advice as children return to school following the Christmas break, saying that both Covid-19 and flu are currently circulating at high levels with cases likely to rise in the coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, usually caused by Group A strep bacteria, also continue to be reported.
The Government health agency has urged parents to keep their child off school if they are unwell with a fever, as well as teaching kids hygiene practices including washing their hands and using tissues. Experts have advised that adults should too stay at home if they feel unwell, and to wear a face covering if they must go out.
READ MORE: 'Don't wait': Top doctor joins calls urging North East public to ditch smoking at the start of 2023
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (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 handwashing 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."
Minister urges public to wear a facemask if they develop an illness such as a cold or flu
Professor Hopkins added: "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 or visit vulnerable people unless urgent."
The UKHSA has issued a reminder that the flu jab is still available for all eligible groups as the best way to protect yourself from the worst impacts of the virus. While the agency said that it has seen good uptake of the vaccine in older age groups, the number of young children being jabbed 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," Professor Hopkins urged.
Children eligible for the flu vaccination include those aged two and three on August 31 2022, all primary school-aged children and some secondary school-aged children. Parents can find more information on getting their child vaccinated against flu on the NHS website.
As of the end of December, at least 30 children in the UK were confirmed to have died from invasive Strep A disease (iGAS) since September. While most Strep A infections such as flu-like are mild and easily treated, with symptoms including flu-like symptoms, a sore throat and muscle aches, in rare cases they can become more serious.
Dr Obaghe Edeghere, UKHSA incident director, said: "We are continuing to see a rise in scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ and this is understandably concerning for parents. However I would stress that the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill.
"Over the winter, there are lots of illnesses circulating that can make children unwell and so it is important to avoid contact with other people if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue. I would also urge all those eligible for free winter vaccines to take advantage of these."
READ NEXT:
