A good deal of winter infections are present in school at the moment, not only in children but also in members of staff. We have received some advice from Public Health locally and the national Health Protection agency at UKHSA. Key points are as follows
- As you know there are unusually high numbers of children presenting with lower respiratory tract GAS infection, including pulmonary empyema (Strep A). On Friday there were 60 reports cases in children under 15 across the UK and this has grown over weekend.
- There have also been more severe cases, where it is classed as ‘invasive’.
- We understand that there are around 10 reported cases for Redbridge resident children under 15 with lower respiratory tract GAS infection
- Schools and nurseries experiencing outbreaks of scarlet fever or respiratory viral infection should report cases - report it into Public Health Redbridge
- This is a helpful link for parents to follow regarding supporting under 5s from infection: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/25/5-ways-to-protect-your-under-5s-this-winter/
Our advice to follow regarding children becoming ill in school is to take no chances, if a child displays the symptoms of the most common respiratory infections – cough, high temperature, vomiting, rashes, feeling tired, and difficulty breathing, we will send him/her to first aid. We will be sending children home to recover and advise parents to book a GP appointment to get an official diagnosis. These symptoms could well be found in cases of Covid, flu, the common cold, StrepA or Scarlet fever. Help protect our community, do not send your child to school if they are unwell, keep vigilant for the symptoms and seek medical advice on the best ways of managing the infection. Encourage safe practices including covering up coughs, washing hands frequently and wearing face masks when outside.
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