This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Public Health Senior Programme Officer, Timothy Howells, for the attention of Early Years and Schools.
We are now well and truly into the winter season. The cold weather is setting in and there have been several outbreaks of the "winter vomiting bug", also known as norovirus, within Slough. One of the best ways to protect against it is by practicing good hygiene. For more information on diarrhoea and vomiting please check this NHS webpage.
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as norovirus, food poisoning and flu. The NHS have created a helpful video to show children how to wash their hands.
If parents would like advice on how to manage a minor illness such as diarrhoea and vomiting, they can consult a pharmacist. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical conditions, parents can contact NHS 111, either online for children over five years old and via phone for those under five.
It is easy to play your part in stopping the spread of norovirus this winter – simply Think NORO:
N No visits to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if you are suffering from symptoms of norovirus – send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better;
O Once you’ve been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, you’re safe to return to work, school or visit hospitals and care homes;
R Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food; and
O Only hand-washing will prevent spread of norovirus – alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus
The government toolkit for schools and other childcare facilities can be found here- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities.
