Infectious diseases are a major cause of illness among children attending school and childcare. The infographic below was designed to prevent or minimise the spread of infection, illness and disease to children, staff and others (such as student teachers and volunteers). It was primarily developed for use by parents. It provides advice for parents when their child develops symptoms of some of the common childhood illnesses about whether their child should stay out of school or childcare.
The infographic is available to download from the HPSC website in English and Irish as an A3 poster, A4 poster or as a social media tile. http://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/whenshouldmychildreturntoschoolchildcare/
While exclusion from school or childcare can sometimes be helpful in preventing the spread of certain infectious diseases it is not the only way. Other important measures are:
Handwashing: Washing our hands is the single most important way of preventing the spread of infections, particularly those that cause respiratory illness and diarrhoea and vomiting. How we wash our hands is really important and the best way to do that is using liquid soap, warm water and paper towels. Children and adults should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly and especially after using the toilet, before eating or handling food, and after handling animals.
Covering coughs and sneezes: Coughing and sneezing can spread infections. Children and adults should be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or to cough into their forearm and to wash their hands after using or disposing tissues in the waste bin.
Immunisation: All children attending school or childcare should be appropriately immunised. Parents should be encouraged to get their child immunised. For the most up-to-date immunisation advice and current schedule visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/
Environment: It is important to keep the environment clean especially toilet facilities.
Wound care: Open cuts and sores should be covered with a waterproof plaster.