Don't let the school bugs bite this September

AN education isn’t the only thing kids will be gaining when they start the new school term — the far less desirable result of mixing with other children in the classroom is picking up plenty of childhood bugs.

On average, children catch between nine and 12 viruses a year, and parents may feel they’re constantly unwell.

Paediatrician Dr Donald Macgregor stresses that nutrition plays a big part, with good levels of vitamin A and E important for protecting the gut and airways. “Poor nutrition affects the immune system, and children who are better nourished bounce through illnesses much better than children who aren’t,” he says.

COUGH & COLD: The rhinovirus (coughs and colds) is the most common virus and can be more severe in younger children as their airways are narrower and tonsils and adenoids bigger. “To some parents it feels like their child has a cold or virus all the time,” says McGregor. “But the virus itself only lasts two or three days, the effects like a cough can last a lot longer.”

SICKNESS & DIARRHOEA: Gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and bowel — is often caused by norovirus and rotavirus when it comes to kids. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, usually lasting three to five days, and it can be reduced by encouraging children to wash their hands, says Macgregor.

CHICKENPOX: Most common in children under 10, there may be mild flu-like symptoms beforehand.

“Chickenpox is not usually a terrible illness but it can cause a lot of problems for children and adults who have immune problems,” says Macgregor.

MUMPS, MEASLES & RUBELLA: These three highly infectious conditions are usually mild, but can have serious, potentially fatal, complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness.

They can also lead to pregnancy complications, and mumps can spread to the testes in post-pubescent males, which can lead to infertility.

Dr Macgregor urges any parents whose children haven’t had the MMR jab to get them vaccinated immediately.

HEAD LICE: Head lice are extremely common, particularly when children are younger and huddle together. making it easy for lice to jump from head to head.

Experts suggest parents use a louse comb at least twice a week to comb through hair root to tip. If lice are found, use a treatment from a pharmacy and always follow the instructions, as a second treatment is vital.