HSE update on winter viral infections

In light of the very significant increase in the usual winter viral infections currently circulating, the HSE issued a memo on Thursday, 5 January 2023 to all Early Years and School Age Care service providers to share among staff and parents availing of their services. Some of the key messaging from this memo includes:

• Signs and Symptoms of winter viral infections
• when to stay at home
• how to prevent the onward spread of infection
• when to seek medical assistance

See also the HSE website – conditions – colds, coughs, RSV & viral infections in children for further information.

According to the HSE, many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough in winter season. However, if a child is feeling unwell, they should be at home. They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished. Unwell children with symptoms of one infection are more likely to get ‘co-infected’ with another infection which might make them more unwell, so limiting exposure is key.

To see the original HSE memo click here.