Common Childhood Illnesses

At Miss B’s Nursery it is our duty to ensure that we minimise the risk of spreading infections. By using the ‘Guidance control in schools and other child care settings’

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities

provided by the Government’s Health Protection agency these are the guidelines we follow for childhood illnesses.

Common Childhood Illnesses	Exclusion period from nursery	Early signs to look out for?	How does it spread?
Vomiting	48 hours exclusion from the last episode	N/A	Direct contact
Diarrhoea	48 hours exclusion from the last episode	N/A	Direct contact
Chicken Pox	Until all spots are scabbed over	Flu-like symptoms and an itchy, spotty rash	Direct contact & through airborne respiratory droplets.
Hand, Foot & Mouth	No exclusion necessary, however if there is an outbreak we will consider exclusion until further notice	A sore throat, a high temperature (fever), and a reluctance to eat	The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets and even from touching contaminated surfaces and then putting hands in the mouth.
Slapped Cheek / Fifth disease	No exclusion necessary	A runny nose, sore throat, headache, and a mild fever. A few days later, a distinctive bright red rash, resembling cheeks that have been "slapped," may appear.	Contagious before rash and via airborne respiratory droplets.
Conjunctivitis	No exclusion, however must have started antibiotic treatment	Red or pink eyes, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing, and a yellow-green discharge from the eye that may cause crusting, particularly in the mornings. Children may also exhibit sensitivity to bright lights and rub their eyes excessively.	Through close contact, contaminated objects, and airborne respiratory droplets.
Impetigo	Exclusion until lesions are crusted and healed, and treatment has begun	Red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth, or in the diaper area for infants.	Through close contact and contaminated objects.
Head Lice	Exclusion until treatment has been applied	Itching, particularly on the scalp, neck, and ears, and the presence of lice or nits (lice eggs) on the hair and scalp.	Head-to-head contact.
Threadworm	Exclusion until 24 hours after treatment begins.	Intense itching around the child’s bottom, especially at night. Visible white, thread-like worms near the bottom or in the child's stool. Other indicators can be restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and redness around the anus due to scratching.	Children ingesting micro sized eggs that they can pick up anywhere.