Parents asked to help prevent the spread of cold and flu
Three simple steps to controlling infection
Queensland childcare providers are asking parents not to send their children to childcare if they have a cold or flu to help their own children recover and to stop cross infection of other children.
The Queensland childcare industry is prepared for this year’s cold and flu season, which many have said is the worst in five years, and are calling on parents to be more vigilant when assessing their child’s health.
Childcare Queensland, Australia’s largest state childcare organisation with over 850 members, says many parents should consider carefully the health of their child before sending them to child care.
“We understand that it is difficult for families who must go to work but we are already seeing children arriving with clear symptoms of cold and flu,” Childcare Queensland President Peter Price said.
“We are asking parents to also consider other parents, children and centre staff before they send their child to childcare with a cold or flu as even though the services are diligent in ensuring that infectious diseases are kept to a minimum, flu can be spread through airborne activity,” Mr Price said.
“If a child is contagious we would need to exclude them but with the serious strains of viruses around this year we ask parents to make three checks before dropping their child to a childcare centre,” he said.
“Number one is temperature, two is lethargy and three is a sore throat. These combined with other symptoms are an indication that your child may be unwell with a cold and flu. You should have your child checked by your doctor.
“If you do take them to childcare, speak to the staff of your concerns and observations so we can take the correct precautionary measures.”
Qld Health advises the following to avoid becoming ill and to protect others from cold or flu; stay at home if sick; wash your hands regularly; cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing; don’t share items such as toys; and consult a doctor if there is a cough and fever above 38oC.
Childcare Queensland is Australia’s largest state child care organisation with a membership of 880 long-day care centres, caring for 115,000 children, communicating with over 210,000 parents and representing 15,000 staff.
Available for interview: Childcare Queensland President Peter Price- 0418 788 889
Released by: Graham Witherspoon P: 0424 435 345
