As children across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly prepare to return to the classroom, the local NHS would like to wish all pupils starting school for the first time good luck and remind parents and carers ahead of the new school year some simple health advice to help keep their families well.
The start of term is an exciting time, but it can also mean the return of common health concerns such as seasonal coughs and colds, and risk increasing of head lice and threadworms. By being aware and taking quick action, parents can help reduce the spread and ensure children don’t miss out on valuable school time.
Top tips for parents and carers:
- Coughs, colds, and sore throats: These spread quickly at school. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly, catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, and rest at home if they are unwell.
- Healthy routines: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats a balanced diet, and stays active, this will help boost their concentration and wellbeing throughout the school day.
- Head lice: These are common in school-aged children and nothing to be embarrassed about. Regularly check your child’s hair, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. A fine-toothed comb on wet hair is the most effective way to remove lice and eggs.
- Threadworms: If your child complains of an itchy bottom, especially at night, it could be threadworms. These are easily treated with pharmacy medicines, and good handwashing is key to preventing reinfection.
- Washing hands to keep bugs at bay: The best advice to keep nasty germs at bay is for everyone, parents and children is to wash hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outside. The key is to make it a fun and regular habit.
- Is my child too ill for nursery or school? It is tricky deciding if your child should stay off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell. There are guidelines for schools and nurseries here that provide advice for when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t: Is my child too ill for school? - NHS
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Reid, said:
"Starting a new school year is a special milestone for children and families, and we’d like to wish every child the very best as they return to their classrooms.
“We also want to reassure parents and carers that many common health concerns, such as head lice or threadworms, are very normal and easily managed. Taking simple steps will help keep children happy, healthy, and ready to learn."
For more advice visit: Health advice for children, young people, and adults - NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
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