As families across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly begin the new school year, local NHS teams are sharing some simple advice to help children stay well, settle back into routines and make the most of the term ahead.
The return to school often means busy mornings, new classes, packed diaries and lots more mixing with friends. It can also bring the usual coughs, colds and bugs that tend to circulate at the start of term.
That’s why now is a good time to think about some of the small things that can make a big difference, including healthy sleep routines, regular handwashing, knowing when to keep children at home if they’re unwell, and checking that children and young people are up to date with their vaccinations.
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:
“As any parent knows, the start of a new school year comes with a long checklist, from uniforms and packed lunches to new routines and after-school activities.
“Looking after children’s health is an important part of that preparation too. The good news is that some of the most effective ways to help children stay well are also some of the simplest.
“Encouraging good hand hygiene, helping children get enough sleep, making sure they’re up to date with their vaccinations and knowing how to manage common illnesses can all support a healthy and successful start to the school year.”
Knowing when to keep children at home
It’s completely normal for children to pick up coughs, colds and other common infections during the school year, particularly in the first few weeks of term.
Children should stay off school if they have a high temperature and return once they are feeling better and no longer have a fever.
Many common illnesses can be safely managed at home with rest, plenty of fluids and appropriate pain relief if needed. Most coughs and colds do not require antibiotics and will get better on their own.
Children with diarrhoea and vomiting should stay away from school or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
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