The new school year brings fresh uniforms and sharpened pencils, along with the germs that always seem to appear once the term begins!
In 2023/24, illness was the biggest single driver of pupil absence in England, accounting for 3.5% of possible sessions, and overall absence rose from autumn to spring and summer terms. Reducing preventable illness is good for children’s learning, parents’ workload, and school operations alike.
A few simple habits, a small “school-day health kit,” and knowing when (and where) to seek advice can keep children learning and family life running smoothly. For extra peace of mind, fast access to a private GP London service or a UK-wide virtual appointment can make all the difference.
Prevent the Spread of Illness at Home and School
1) Make handwashing non-negotiable
Encourage (and model) proper handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing/sneezing, and when arriving home.
Note: Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is a simple timer children remember!
Tip: Remove rings/bracelets before washing where possible, lather backs of hands/thumbs/fingertips, and dry thoroughly.
2) Respiratory hygiene
Reinforce “catch it, bin it, kill it”: use tissues for coughs/sneezes, bin them immediately, then wash hands. Discourage spitting and sharing drinks.
3) Don’t rely on hand gel alone
Alcohol gels don’t reliably kill norovirus. When there’s diarrhoea/vomiting in the household, soap and warm water and bleach-based surface cleaning are best; avoid preparing food for others during illness and for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
4) Fresh air matters
Open windows for short bursts, use extractor fans, and avoid overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms where possible. (Good ventilation reduces the risk of respiratory infections spreading.)
5) When to keep your child at home
Keep children off school with fever, vomiting/diarrhoea and certain infections like impetigo until they are well and cleared to return. Check official school or public health advice for specific timelines.
Common “Back-To-School” Bugs—And What Helps
➔ Respiratory viruses (colds, flu, COVID-19)
Encourage handwashing, respiratory etiquette, staying home with fever, and vaccination where eligible. Seasonal flu activity can start from October, with peaks in winter months.
➔ Norovirus (“winter vomiting bug”)
Highly infectious and spreads rapidly in schools and households. Prioritise thorough soap-and-water handwashing; alcohol gels are not reliable for norovirus.
➔ Head lice
No medication prevents head lice; regular wet combing with a detection comb is advised. Treat if you find live lice and check the whole family.
Build Healthy Daily Habits (That Kids Actually Follow)
🔹Sleep routines: Shift bedtime/wake time a week before term; aim for age-appropriate sleep to support immunity and learning.
🔹Balanced breakfasts & hydration: Pack water bottles; encourage fruit/veg snacks to avoid afternoon slumps.
🔹Activity & fresh air: Walk or cycle part of the journey where possible.
🔹Hygiene rituals: Put tissues, pocket hand gel (for when sinks aren’t available), and a spare pack of wipes in their bag.
🔹Talk about health: Explain why we wash hands/cover coughs so the habits stick.
What to Put In a Simple School-Day Health Kit
✔️ Refillable water bottle
✔️Tissues and a small resealable bag for used ones until they reach a bin
✔️Pocket hand gel (useful between sinks, but remember soap and water are best for norovirus)
✔️Spare face covering (if advised locally during outbreaks)
✔️Lip balm and plasters for minor scrapes
✔️Contact details for parents/carers and medical information (allergies, regular medication)
When to Seek Advice—And Where a Private GP Fits
If you’re unsure whether symptoms need a review, start with trusted and evidence-based health resources. For non-urgent issues where you prefer rapid access and continuity, a private GP can offer same-day advice, prescriptions, and referral letters. Doctorcall provides private GP appointments in London, along with UK-wide virtual and telephone consultations, all with flexible scheduling to fit around family life and school timetables.
Healthy routines, sensible preparation and clear decisions about attendance go a long way to keeping children in class and family life on track. If you need fast, convenient support, book a Doctorcall private GP (London) or a UK-wide video/phone consultation. Small steps now can mean fewer disruptions — and a calmer term ahead.
Parents/Teachers: need fast, convenient care? Book a private GP or a UK-wide video/phone consultation with Doctorcall.
References
NHS – How to wash your hands (last reviewed 15 March 2023). (nhs.uk)
NHS – Is my child too ill for school? (nhs.uk)
UKHSA – Children and young people settings: tools and resources (updated 5 March 2025). (GOV.UK)
UKHSA – Preventing and controlling infections in schools/childcare settings (updated 5 March 2025). (GOV.UK)
UK Government / DfE – Pupil absence in schools in England 2023/24 (published 20 March 2025). (GOV.UK, Explore Education Statistics)
UK Government / UKHSA – Annual flu programme collection + schools guidance (2025/26). (GOV.UK)
NHS – Children’s flu vaccine (school-age programme). (nhs.uk)
UK Government / UKHSA – National flu immunisation programme letter 2025–26 (no cohort change). (GOV.UK)
UK Government – Advice accepted on autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme (JCVI). (GOV.UK)
UKHSA Blog – Who’s eligible for the 2025 COVID-19 autumn booster. (UK Health Security Agency Blog)
NHS – HPV vaccine (Year 8; single-dose schedule for most; catch-up to 25). (nhs.uk)
NHS/UKHSA – HPV universal vaccination (PGD/implementation detail). (NHS England)
UK Government / UKHSA – Measles outbreaks update (June 2025) & 2025 case data (monthly). (GOV.UK)
UK Government / UKHSA – National norovirus & rotavirus surveillance (seasonal reports). (GOV.UK)
NHS – Head lice and nits. (nhs.uk)
Community Pharmacy England – Adult flu vaccination NBS timings (2025). (Community Pharmacy England)