HPA gives schools a head start this winter

9 December 2010

iThe Health Protection Agency (HPA), Cornwall Council and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have teamed up to send out a bumper pack of health advice to schools in Cornwall to help children stay well this winter.

The pack gives schools the latest advice and guidance on infectious diseases through a quick reference book affectionately known as “the Spotty Book” and a poster for schools.

The guidance has been produced and updated by the Health Protection Agency and provides teachers with essential information about the various childhood aliments and diseases, detailing signs and symptoms, incubation periods and when children should return back to school after illness.

The HPA is also using the opportunity to send out nearly 100,000 meningitis leaflets and quick reference cards to school children and parents to help raise awareness of the disease and the signs and symptoms.

The leaflets and cards are produced by the Meningitis Research Foundation and give parents a guide of what symptoms to look out for in both toddlers and older children.

Brian Guttridge from the HPA’s South West Peninsula Unit said:

“We hope that schools will find the latest information and advice helpful, we are also really grateful to Cornwall Council, who annually help us send out information about meningitis to schools to disseminate.

“The advice and guidance in these latest documents means that schools can help prevent spread within their own community. They can use the information to ensure that if children become ill, they will receive appropriate care and treatment and stay away from school until they are no longer infectious, preventing further spread.

“We also want to make sure that parents in the area are reminded about meningitis, this is especially important at this time of the year, as we often see more cases. Please take the time to look at the quick reference cards and leaflets and if you have any concerns about your child, get them checked immediately through all the usual NHS routes.

Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said: ““The seasonal winter illnesses are now upon us and school environments are a breeding ground for bugs and germs.

"Identification and sensible management of illnesses by school staff and parents will not only help to prevent more children from becoming sick but will also help to restrict their spread.

"We have already heard reports of the symptoms of Norovirus in Cornwall and both meningitis and flu are around too. Some of these illnesses carry serious health risks, especially for the young and elderly, making 'the spotty book' pack an essential read for everyone with the responsibility for the health and well being of school children."
Notes for Editors

Spotty Book authors and editors include: paediatricians, microbiologists, general practitioners, nurses and public health physicians.

The booklet provides general guidance for schoolteachers and others with children in their care about the prevention and control of infectious disease.

The advice applies to schools, nurseries, playgroups and childminders.

Last reviewed: 22 December 2010