Health officials issue advice for parents

Officials said children with a fever, diarrhoea and vomiting should stay home for at least 48 hours

Health officials have issued back-to-school advice to parents following the half term break.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West advice ranges from teaching good hygiene habits to stopping the spread of bugs and knowing when to keep your child at home.

Officials said they had seen an increase in cases of flu and norovirus, with double the number compared to the average for the last five years for the time of year.

Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection, said it only takes "simple steps" to reduce the spread of most of these infections.

'Good hygiene habits'

"Each winter, we see an increase in acute respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses," he said.

"By following advice on good hygiene habits, knowing when to keep your child off school and taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated, parents are protecting their children and the wider school community."

Parents are asked to encourage "good hygiene habits", including regular handwashing and using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes.

The UKHSA said children with a fever, diarrhoea and vomiting should stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms clear up.

It said children with a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough are encouraged to go to school, nursery or childcare.

Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help prevent bugs from spreading, along with washing hands with soap, health officials added.

The UKHSA also urged parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with vaccinations, adding it was continuing to see cases of measles, which could be "easily prevented".