Back to school bugs: how to keep your kids healthy

Youngsters up and down the country are heading back to school, and most parents probably already know that this brings with it the increased risk of catching seasonal illnesses. Here, we'll take a look at just some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued advice to parents on how to help reduce the risk of sickness, as children return to school. Cases of flu, norovirus and E.coli tend to increase at this time of year, but there are some simple things you can do to help slow the spread, and hopefully protect your children from becoming unwell.

Practicing good hygiene habits is one of the simplest things we can do to help slow the spread of viruses. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly for twenty seconds with warm water and soap, and especially after catching coughs and sneezes in their hands, even with a tissue.

Households that see their children suffering with vomiting and diarrhea should regularly clean surfaces to help stop the spread to other family members. And finally, it's important to know when to keep your child at home. If they show signs of a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they should avoid attending school or nursery until forty eight hours after their symptoms have ended.