A pharmacist has issued a warning to parents as children return to school, highlighting the potential for sickness ‘superspreader events’. With kids reuniting in classrooms after weeks of summer break, the atmosphere becomes ripe for bugs to spread rapidly. Classrooms and playgrounds serve as breeding grounds for germs, and as children interact, the start of the school year can become a prime period for contracting and passing on infections.
According to Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, the initial weeks of the school term can act as mini-superspreader events. This is because pupils are exposed to new germs while their immune systems are still developing, making them vulnerable to falling ill. Understanding common back-to-school illnesses such as scabies, scarlet fever, and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is crucial, especially as some conditions can be more severe when contracted by adults.
To help parents identify and manage these illnesses, Pharmacy2U has provided guidance on spotting and treating some of the most infectious back-to-school conditions. Impetigo, a common skin infection in young children, usually manifests as red, itchy blisters that turn into crusty patches. Scarlet fever, caused by Strep A, presents with flu-like symptoms and a pinkish rash. The pharmacist advises that both impetigo and scarlet fever can be managed with appropriate treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Head lice, another common issue among school-age children, can be addressed by regularly combing the hair with a fine-toothed comb and using medicated sprays if needed. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, which predominantly affects young children, usually resolves on its own within 10 days, with symptomatic relief provided through fluids and painkillers.
Scabies, an itchy rash caused by mites, necessitates treatment with a recommended cream or lotion to prevent its spread within the household. Meanwhile, shingles and chickenpox, both viral infections, require monitoring and appropriate care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
To mitigate the risk of catching these illnesses, parents are advised to encourage good hygiene practices, ensure a balanced diet for their children, and monitor their skin regularly for any signs of rashes or spots. It’s also recommended to keep sick children at home until they have fully recovered to prevent the spread of infections in the school environment.