Back To School Advice Issued As Flu And Covid Rates Soar

The UK government has issued some general health advice as school children return from the Christmas break. High levels of flu, Covid, and other winter viruses are circulating, as well as higher than average cases of scarlet fever and the group A streptococcus virus, known as Strep A. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a press release advising children and adults to stay at home if they are unwell or experiencing symptoms, and to wear a face mask if they do have to go out in public. It also emphasised the importance of following good hygiene practices to minimise the spread of viruses.

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.”

She added: “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.”

“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. Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus.”

“We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children 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.”

A new Covid sub-variant is also spreading rapidly in the United States, and is likely to soon make its way to the UK. The BBC reports that the new variant is an off-shoot of Omicron, and is known as XBB.1.5. The most common symptoms are similar to Omicron, such as a continuous cough, a fever, and loss or change of smell or taste.

Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizzy spells, exhaustion, a sore throat, a runny nose, headache, muscle pains, sickness, and loss of appetite. Anyone with these symptoms is advised to stay at home whenever possible and to wear a face mask if they do have to go out to public places. 

For the majority of people who are in reasonable health and are up to date with their Covid vaccines and boosters, the new variant should not represent a major threat. However, anyone in more vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with underlying health problems, should take extra precautions. 

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