When your child attends school, whether large or small, there may be times of the year where certain illnesses or conditions seem to increase. If not contained, these can end up spreading to your child, as well as the rest of your family, causing time away from school and work. By understanding the causes and symptoms of some of these common problems, you may be better prepared to deal with them if they arise, as well as to minimise the risk of them occurring in the first place.
Pink Eye
With a viral strain that is uncomfortable and contagious, but less noticeable, and a bacterial strain that is also highly contagious to those around the infected individual, it can be important to understand these pink eye symptoms and signs so that you know exactly what you are dealing with. When there is a pink eye outbreak at your child’s school, it can be important to increase the level of cleanliness and hygiene within your home. Simply keeping the face clean is not enough when bacterial pink eye is rife. It is also imperative that commonly touched surfaces are wiped frequently, with antibacterial spray, to prevent the spread from touching these items.
Head Lice
Another problem that commonly plagues children is head lice. These little wingless bugs crawl around on the scalp and hair, causing intense itching. They also lay their eggs within the hair, allowing them to multiply very quickly. When lice do occur, it can be important to use a legitimate head lice shampoo as quickly as possible, to kill off the lice and their larvae. A fine toothed comb can also aid in removing them from the hair. It can be a good idea to teach your child to keep any long hair tied back, as this can help to prevent spread, as well as not sharing hair scrunchies or brushes with any of their friends.
Stomach Flu
The stomach flu, or norovirus, is an incredibly contagious stomach bug that often causes nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Cleaning the hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or before eating, can help to prevent contamination. In addition to this, avoiding exposure with a person who you suspect may have the stomach flu can also help to stop it from spreading. This can involve staying home from work, or keeping your child off of school, until symptoms have passed. Extreme cases can lead to dehydration, so it is important that your child tries to drink water, even in between bouts of vomiting, to line the stomach and try to keep them hydrated.
While difficult, you may be able to minimise the effects of certain ailments on your household by being proactive. Learning what is currently going round at your child’s school, as well as the preventative measures you can put in place, can help your family to avoid suffering, and allow your child to continue receiving all the benefits of their education.