Below is an update from Heather Lawson, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust:
“There are several viruses circulating in the community at present and educational staff should be mindful of these.
Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is generally a self-limiting illness lasting 48-72 hours. It is highly infectious and transmitted by poor hand hygiene and ineffective environmental cleaning. Alcohol gel/Hand sanitiser is NOT effective against any gastrointestinal illness and soap and water should be used to clean hands. Individuals should remain off work/school until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.
Acute Respiratory infections are often seen more frequently in the winter months and we know that Covid, Flu and RSV are circulating. Cough/Cold etiquette should always be encouraged.
Staff should be encouraged to take appropriate actions to protect themselves and others with vaccination against Flu and Covid where appropriate as well as adhering to hygiene measures such as hand washing.
School policy and guidelines should be always followed .”
Further Resources:
Managing specific infectious diseases: A to Z – GOV.UK
NCC Control of infection policy – May 2024 (internal policy accessible to NCC staff and establishments only or schools in the Health and Safety SLA)
