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Colds, flu and other respiratory illness are common in schools during winter. Here are some simple tips to prevent the spread of illness:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly and often including after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing, and after using the toilet.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, not your hand
- Regularly clean high touch surfaces – door handles, taps, table tops, phones, computer keyboard etc.
- Anyone who is unwell should stay at home until 24 hours after symptoms have gone.
- Get a flu vaccination NOW at your family doctor or pharmacist. It's FREE for children aged 6 months to 12 years, pregnant women and lots of other people. COVID-19 vaccination is available for all over the age of 5 years.
For more information: www.rph.org.nz/public-health-topics/early-childhood-centres/fact-sheets/respiratory-infections/ |  |
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Further information
Winter Illness and RSV
Cold, flu and other respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common in schools and early learning centres during winter. These illnesses can be easily spread by sneezes or cough droplets.
RSV infections may progress to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in infants.
Common symptoms:
- a runny nose
- coughing or sneezing
- fever
- wheezing and difficulty breathing
- loss of appetite
- difficulty feeding due to breathlessness
Remember:
- Anyone who is unwell should stay at home until they are symptom free and feeling well. Your child should not return to school or early learning until 24 hours after their symptoms (cough, runny nose) have gone
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly and often to stop the spread of illness
- Shortness of breath or abnormally rapid breathing always requires immediate medical attention
If your child or baby has these symptoms, please see our website for further information on when to see a doctor:
www.rph.org.nz/public-health-topics/illness-and-disease/influenza/
www.rph.org.nz/public-health-topics/early-childhood-centres/current-illnesses/winter-respiratory-illnesses/
