As pupils and students return to school following the Christmas break, UKHSA is reminding people that winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels.

Concerns have been raised by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) following an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A Strep infections in some children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness and, very sadly, several deaths. Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria in the environment.

Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings and protect wider communities.

Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

"It’s important to minimise the spread of infection in schools and other education and childcare settings as much as possible. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved. Helping children to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene is also key, so practice regular handwashing at home with soap and warm water. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illness from spreading. Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent."

Further information can be found via the GOV.UK website and blog:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-scarlet-fever-and-invasive-group-a-strep

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/

Wightman & Parrish recommends the following products to be effective in your infection prevention and control measures: 

Surface Disinfection

Selgiene Extreme - Selgiene Extreme is an essential everyday product in the fight against infection. It kills bacteria e.g. E-coli, Salmonella and MRSA and enveloped viruses e.g. Coronavirus, HIV, Hepatitis C and Influenza.

PVA Virucidal Detergent Disinfectant Soluble Sachet - Effective against bacteria, such as Strep A, yeasts and enveloped viruses, such as Coronavirus. Effective and active for up to 7 days after application.

Sprint Degragerm Cleaner Disinfectant Smartdose - Degragerm is a highly concentrated daily cleaner for all types of interior surfaces and floors which also has disinfectant properties. Bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal.

D10 Suma Bac Conc Detergent Disinfectant Smartdose - Concentrated detergent which can be used for one step cleaning and disinfection.

 Hand Hygiene

Scott Essential Everyday Foam Hand Cleanser - Cleanser is designed for exceptional efficiency, reliability and ease to service.

Scott Control Antibacterial Hand Cleanser - Effective against a range of bacteria, killing up to 99.999% of micro-organisms that can cause infections or illness, it is designed for process protection and compliance with hand hygiene protocols.

Scott Control Alcohol Foam Hand Sanitiser 1lt Cartridge - Effective bactericidal, virucidal and yeasticidal. Kills up to 99.99% of microorganisms.

Many organisations are beginning to understand the definitive link between the spread of illnesses and number of absences in schools and the workplace. Absences due to illness can be disruptive to learning, and cause students to fall behind in the curriculum, as well as impacting families as a whole. Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure hygiene practices are maintained in the classroom, washroom and canteen, so that students and teachers are exposed to a lower risk of illness. Wightman & Parrish hope to work with schools to lower this rate of absences and find the best hygiene products and strategy for schools to ensure the safety of their students.