As schools reopen this week, the NHS has released important advice to help parents decide when their child should stay home due to illness. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), health experts shared guidelines aimed at supporting families during this transitional period.
The NHS emphasizes that determining whether a child is too unwell for school can be challenging. Common symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, or the presence of nits may mean your child should remain at home to recover and prevent spreading infections.
Regarding COVID-19, the NHS clarifies that children exhibiting only mild symptoms—like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough—who feel well enough can still attend school. However, if your child has a high temperature or feels unwell, it is advised to keep them home and limit contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission.
The NHS also highlights the seriousness of measles. If your child shows signs of measles, you must consult your GP before visiting, as the virus is highly contagious. Children diagnosed with measles should stay home for at least four days after the rash appears and avoid contact with babies, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
To further support infection prevention in schools, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has collaborated with educators to create a range of interactive lesson plans targeting children aged 3 to 16. These free resources, available at e-Bug.eu, focus on promoting good hygiene, understanding germs, vaccination, and responsible antibiotic use, empowering both students and teachers to maintain healthier school environments.
With these measures and guidelines, the NHS aims to help parents make informed decisions that protect the health of their children and the wider community as the new school term begins.