Staying Healthy in School | Colds & Flu
Staying Healthy in School | Colds & Flu
The most common ailments that affect children coming up to and during Winter when their immune systems are most vulnerable are colds and flus. Young children in large groups (such as a school) are breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illness. Most childhood illnesses are caused by airborne viruses, spread by sneezing and coughing, and are therefore best treated in the pharmacy. Viruses are generally self-limiting and usually pass off within a few days or a week.
Symptom control is important so paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce headaches and fever. Parents should keep children well hydrated during the course of the illness and instill good hygiene measure to reduce the spread of the virus. The following are some of the steps that will help reduce the spread of the virus:
- Frequent hand washing.
- Covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
- Putting used tissues in a bin straight away.
- No sharing of drinks or food items.
- Hand sanitisers brought in and kept in the school bag will help promote hand hygiene.
Children who suffer from long term illness or disability, including those who suffer from asthma or those who are immuno-comprimised should receive the flu vaccine. Carrigtwohill Pharmacy has recently begun a Flu Vaccine Program and our qualified pharmacists can administer the vaccine. You can find out more about the Flu Vaccine Program on our website or call into us any time to talk to our expert team.
