As we continue to manage the coronavirus outbreak, the flu season approaches. Some researchers suggest that overall flu cases in Australia may decrease this year due to restrictions and earlier measures. Others argue that the country is more vulnerable than ever and that the flu season could result in more cases of respiratory illnesses.
In schools and early learning centres, it’s easy for viruses to spread due to the large number of children and teachers interacting. This year, it is incredibly important that these facilities take measures which control the spread of the virus and prevent an outbreak.
Along with our team of Health, Hygiene and Safety specialists, we have collated quick tips for educators and school staff to prevent a flu outbreak.
#Tip 1: Hand hygiene
Many of the state governments have now implemented guidelines such as putting hand sanitiser at entry points and in high touch point areas. Along with this, handwashing is important. Hands should be cleaned with an alcohol-based soap, rinsed with lukewarm water and dried thoroughly.
Drying hands is a crucial yet commonly missed step, which helps to rid germs that may not have been removed during handwashing. Did you know that wet or damp hands can carry and transfer up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands?
Remind students to wash their hands regularly. We also recommend that staff wash their hands after arriving at work, after wiping their own or a child’s nose, before handling food or changing children’s nappies. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are also a convenient solution which offer up to a 99.5% effective clean.
#Tip 2: Educate through play
The average cough expels around 3,000 tiny droplets and a sneeze emits around 40,000 droplets. It is important to educate children on how germs travel and how long droplets can survive in the air and on surfaces.
A fun activity to demonstrate this is to ask children to grab a handful of flour and hold this in front of their face and pretend to cough. This will help to visualise how germs can travel in the air when they cough and sneeze.
#Tip 3: Know the signs and act
Children who display respiratory or flu like symptoms should be encouraged to stay home. In most instances, a sudden fever is the first warning sign of the virus and is often followed by muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and chills.
If a child or staff member is suspected of being exposed to COVID-19, follow existing protocols for communication, contact tracing and cleaning.
#Tip 4: Environmental cleaning
Contaminated surfaces such as toys and furniture in classrooms and centres can be vehicles for the spread of infection. Routine cleaning of desks, keyboards, handles along with any other items and areas that are touched frequently, is essential in minimising an outbreak.
#Tip 5: Distancing
It’s important to communicate clearly what students can and cannot do in your school. Examples of activities that may not be available could be school assemblies or use of bubblers.
Wherever possible, try to stagger student breaks to limit movements and contacts between student/class groups and avoid queuing and large group activities.
#Tip 6: Immunisation of children and carers
In the case of vaccine preventable diseases, the risk of infection in schools and early learning centres can be significantly reduced if children are age-appropriately vaccinated against influenza. Seasonal immunisation of educators and carers is strongly advised by medical practitioners.
For more advice on preventing and controlling the spread of infection, get in touch with our team of Health and Hygiene Specialists on 13 26 44.
