The school holidays are swiftly coming to an end and parents are busy sorting school supplies, dusting off the lunch boxes and buying new shoes ready for the first day of Term 1.
But with news headlines dominated by the spread of the coronavirus and schools issuing restrictions around attendance after travel overseas – many parents are wondering how this may affect their child and what can be done to prepare their kids against the spread of infectious disease on the return to school.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis, paediatrician and infectious diseases specialist at The Kids Research Institute Australia, says that while the risk of coronavirus is low, it is very important to follow the advice of the Western Australian Department of Health and keep children away from school if they have returned from China or Hong Kong in the last 14 days.
“The best way to minimise the chance of exposing others to infectious diseases such as coronavirus is to make sure kids stay at home, even if they don’t have any of the signs or symptoms,” Professor Carapetis says.
“It can take up to 14 days for the symptoms of the virus to become apparent, meaning recent travellers can have the disease and share it with others before becoming unwell, so this isolation period ensures the safest possible environment for school children.”
Read on as Professor Carapetis explains the signs and symptoms of coronavirus and what your children can do to help reduce the spread of germs at school.
What is coronavirus? Where has it come from?
“Coronavirus is a new virus that has not been detected before and can cause humans to become very unwell. The virus originated in the Hubei Province in China, but the ease of global travel means that the virus is spreading throughout other parts of the country and internationally,” Professor Carapetis explains.
“Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. Some people may feel like they are suffering from a common cold, while others experience serious complications from the virus.”
Our family travelled to Hong Kong over the school holidays – can our kids return to school on Monday?
“The Western Australian Department of Health has asked that parents keep their children home from school for 14 days after their return from China or Hong Kong, regardless of whether they are currently showing symptoms or not,” Professor Carapetis says.
“If your child does develop flu-like symptoms following their return from travels overseas, contact your GP for guidance about whether your child requires a medical assessment. Make sure to inform the doctor’s office or hospital that your child may have been exposed to coronavirus so that they are kept away from other members of the public.
“If a diagnosis of coronavirus is confirmed, your child should not attend school or childcare until they are cleared to return by public health authorities.”
What can I teach my child to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases at school?
Professor Carapetis says you can help prepare your child for a healthy return to school by teaching them the following tips:
- Washing their hands with water and soap regularly, especially after going to the toilet, before/after eating and after coughing/sneezing on hands
- Coughing and sneezing into elbows rather than hands
- Avoiding close contact with other people when unwell
- Avoid sharing food or water bottles.
For more information about the Health Department’s recommendations around coronavirus, please visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au or call the WA Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 300 243.