Keeping Children Healthy (and Sanity Intact) This Winter

We are almost halfway through the 1st school term and the weather’s turning chilly. Along with remembering packed lunches, ingredients for food tech and PE kits, comes something else we all dread: the season of sniffles, coughs and bugs. We have already started to see cases of influenza A (flu) locally and we are early in the season.  

The truth is, we can’t bubble-wrap our children (tempting as it may be!), but there are a few simple things we can do to keep them as healthy as possible over the winter months — and hopefully cut down on those last-minute calls from school asking us to collect an unwell child.

Simple Habits Make a Big Difference

Handwashing really is the first line of defence. I always tell my children that soap and water are their “superpowers” against germs. A good 20-second scrub – long enough to hum Happy Birthday twice – really helps stop bugs spreading.

It’s also worth reminding them to:

• Use a tissue for coughs and sneezes, then bin it straight away.
• Try not to share water bottles or snacks with friends.
• Let in a bit of fresh air at home when possible – even just cracking open a window can reduce the spread of viruses.

Should They Stay Home from School?

Mornings can be hectic enough without having to decide if your little one is well enough for school. Here’s a simple way I usually think about it:

• Minor colds: A bit of a runny nose? Sore throat? If they’re otherwise happy and energetic, off they go!
• Fever: Got a temperature that isn’t coming down for long with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Time for a day (or two) in bed until it’s gone.
• Sickness or diarrhoea: NHS advice says 48 hours at home after the last episode — no negotiations! Going back in too quick brings whole schools and nurseries down!
• COVID-19: You don’t need to test routinely anymore, as most strains in children present as a cold, but if they do test positive, keeping them home for three days is safest.

Winter Rashes to Watch Out For!!!

After you have done the glass test and the panic subsides as a parent, there are a few winter illnesses to be aware of that cause a rash:  

• Scarlet fever: Starts with a sore throat and fever, then a bumpy, sandpapery rash and “strawberry tongue”. People get very excited about this but it is just a form of tonsillitis, but it needs antibiotics so get booked in with the GP. Kids stay home for 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
• Measles: Begins like a bad cold — cough, runny nose, red eyes, high temp — then white spots in the mouth, followed by a rash. Vaccinated children are very well protected and unfortunately due to decline in MMR uptake, this once rarely seen bug is back.
• Chickenpox: Highly contagious and unmistakable thanks to that itchy, spotty rash that starts as tiny blisters. Unfortunately, when the rash appears most children have been unknowingly contagious for a week or so before this.

Vaccines Are Your Best Friend

Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect kids (and adults) against serious illness — and fewer sick days is a win for everyone.

Some key ones to know for school-age kids:

• MMR: protect against measles, mumps, and rubella all of which can have nasty long term consequences.
• Flu nasal spray: Offered every autumn term to children up to Year 11, and to all 2- and 3-year-olds. Quick, painless, and highly recommended. It protects them and other older family members that they may infect.
• HPV: This has been groundbreaking, given at ages 12–13 to protect against certain cancers (eg penile and cervical), we are seeing the incidence going down already!!!
• MenACWY and teenage booster: Usually around Year 9 or 10.

Missed a vaccine? No worries — it’s never too late to catch up. Give your GP a call and they will book them in.

Final Thoughts

We can’t stop every cough, sniffle, or sore throat, but with a few small habits, sensible school attendance decisions, staying on top of vaccines, and keeping kids warm, winter can be much easier on the whole family.

And when the inevitable illness does strike? A duvet day, hot drinks, and a bit of TLC can make all the difference – and sometimes, a bit of chocolate bribery (don’t judge!) is exactly what your child needs to get through a long, snotty day.