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• Threadworms

  Tue 13 Dec 2022 Claire Kings

  A parent has informed us that her child has had threadworm.

  This is treatable but is also very contagious.

  We have taken advice from our school nurse and she has advised us to check the NHS website.

  Please click here to access the page on Threadworm.

   

  As this advice tells us, simple hygiene steps are needed to keep this at bay and it is not a reason for pupils to stay off school.

   

  Threadworms are common in children

  Threadworms are a very common problem, particularly in children. It is estimated that half of all children below the age of 10 years get threadworm at some time, but not all will have the ‘itching’ symptoms

   

  What are threadworms?

  Threadworms live in the bowel and around the bottom. They are tiny white worms about half an inch long that look like threads of cotton.

   

  Are threadworms harmful?

  Threadworms are generally harmless. They can cause irritation around the bottom, which can be distressing. Threadworms are easily treated.

   

  What are the signs of threadworms?

  The most common sign is scratching around the bottom, particularly at night. This may be associated with disturbed sleep and irritability. The threadworms may be seen in the stools and around the bottom. Some children show no symptoms at all.

   

  How do you get threadworms?

  Threadworm eggs may be found in house dust, they stick to clothing, carpets, towels and bed linen; they can also be picked up in garden soil, on unwashed vegetables and salads or from contact with someone who already has worms. Because the eggs are small and so widespread it is easy for them to be swallowed.

  When swallowed the eggs pass into the bowel where they hatch into worms. The female threadworm lays her eggs at night around the bottom which causes the itching. Bottom scratching means eggs stick under the fingernails which can then be transferred to the mouth by nail biting. Eggs can be spread to other members of the family by direct contact or via food, towels and bed linen.

  What should I do if I suspect threadworms?

  There is no reason to keep a child off school or nursery as long as the child is treated and the general hygiene measures outlined below are followed. Effective treatment is available from the pharmacist. It is important to treat the whole family if one person develops symptoms.

   

  How can I prevent threadworm?

   

  • Keep childrens nails short
  • Remind children not to bite nails or suck fingers
  • Ensure your child wears pyjamas or underpants in bed to prevent scratching
  • Bathe daily, preferably in the morning, washing thoroughly around the bottom, and keep separate towels for each family member.
  • Change clothes and bed linen regularly
  • Make sure everyone in the family is treated at the same time
  • Wash hands after each visit to the toilet, before eating and before handling food
  • Clean the toilet seat, toilet handle and door handle regularly
  • Vacuum and dust bedrooms thoroughly

   

   

  Remember threadworms are very common and easily treated.

  Regards,

   

  Ross Ashcroft

  Headteacher

  Cherry Oak School

• Scarlett Fever Advice for Parents

  Wed 07 Dec 2022

  Group A Streptococcal Infection

   

  Q. What is Group A Streptococcal?

  Group A streptococci (GAS) are a type of bacteria that are spread by close contact between people.

   

  Q. What infections can GAS cause?

  GAS can cause Scarlet fever and sore throats, more rarely it can cause more serious disease.

   

  Q. What is Scarlet fever

  Scarlet fever is it is highly infectious and usually is mild. Symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. (On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to see but will have a sandpapery feel.)

   

  Q. How is scarlet fever treated?

  Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever.

   

  Q. Can my child go to school?

  If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.  

   

  Q. What is Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection?

  Very rarely, GAS can also cause more serious or ‘invasive’ infection (iGAS) including:

  • An infection of the bloodstream
  • Skin infection
  • Toxic shock syndrome.

   

  As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

  • your child is getting worse
  • your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
  • your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
  • your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
  • your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
  • your child is very tired or irritable

   

  Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
  • There are pauses when your child breathes
  • Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
  • Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

   

  https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries

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