Health Matters
Medical information and exclusion periods
| Incubation and exclusion period | Comments | |
| Diarrhoea and vomiting illnesses | ||
| Diarrhoea and vomiting | 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea | Exclusion from swimming should be 2 weeks following last episode of diarrhoea |
| E. coli 0157 VTEC |
Exclusion is important for some children. Always consult with HPU | Exclusion applies to young children and those who may find hygiene practices difficult to adhere to. Local HPU will advise. Exclusion from swimming should be 2 weeks following last episode of diarrhoea |
| Typhoid (and paratyphoid) | Exclusion is important for some children. Always consult with HPU | Exclusion applies to young children and those who may find hygiene practices difficult to adhere to. Local HPU will advise. Exclusion from swimming should be 2 weeks following last episode of diarrhoea |
| Shigella (Dysentery) | Exclusion may be necessary | Exclusion (if required) applies to young children and those who may find hygiene practices difficult to adhere to. Local HPU will advise. Exclusion from swimming should be 2 weeks following last episode of diarrhoea |
| Respiratory Infections | ||
| Flu (influenza) | Until recovered | |
| Tuberculosis | Always consult with HPU | Not usually spread in children. Requires quite prolonged, close contact for spread |
| Whooping cough (Pertussis) | Five days from commencing antibiotic treatment or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment | Preventable by vaccination. After treatment non-infectious coughing may continue for many weeks. HPU will organise any contact tracing necessary. |
| Rashes/Skin | ||
| Athletes foot | None | Athletes foot is not a serious condition. Treatment is recommended |
| Chicken pox | Advice from GPAll spots to be dried up/scabbed over | |
| Cold sores (herpes simplex) | None | Avoid kissing and contact with cold sores. Cold sores are generally a mild self-limiting disease |
| German Measles (rubella) | 5 days from onset of rash | Preventable by immunisation (MMR x 2 doses) |
| Hand, foot and mouth | Seek Medical Advice | Contact HPU if a large number of children are affected. Exclusion may be considered in some circumstances |
| Impetigo | Until lesions are crusted or healed | Antibiotic treatment by mouth may speed healing and reduce infectious period |
| Measles | 5 days from onset of rash | Preventable by vaccination (MMR x 2 doses) children aged between 6-13 months should see a GP to determine if the MMR vaccination should be given. All women pregnant or planning a pregnancy should seek medical advice. |
| Molluscum contagiosum | None | A self-limiting condition |
| Ringworm | Until treatment commenced | Treatment Is important and is available from pharmacist. N.B for ringworm of scalp, treatment by GP is required. Also check and treat for symptomatic pets |
| Roseola (infantum) | None | None |
| Scabies | Child can return after first treatment | Two treatments 1 week apart for cases. Contacts should have one treatment; include the entire household and any other very close contacts. If further information is required contact your local HPU |
| Scarlet fever | 5 days after commencing antibiotics | Antibiotic treatment recommended for the affected child |
| Slapped cheek/fifth disease Parvovirus B19 |
None | |
| Shingles | Exclude only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered | Can cause chicken pox in those who are not immune i.e have not had chicken pox. It is spread by very close contact and touch. If further information is required contact your local HPU |
| Warts and verrucae | None | Verrucae should be covered in swimming pools and changing rooms |
| Other infections | ||
| Conjunctivitis | 24 hours from onset of prescribed course of treatment | If an outbreak/cluster occurs consult with your GP |
| Diphtheria | Exclusion is important. Always consult with HPU | Preventable by vaccination. HPU will organises any contact tracing necessary |
| Glandular fever | None | About 50% of children get the disease before they are five and many adults also acquire the disease without being aware of it |
| Head lice | Exclusion until lice and eggs are no longer present. | Treat the whole family with medicated shampoo and regular combing. |
| Hepatitis A | Exclusion may be necessary. Always consult with HPU | Good personal and environmental hygiene will minimise any possible danger of spread of Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B and C | None | Hepatitis B and C are not infectious through casual contact. Good hygiene will minimise any possible danger of spread of both Hepatitis B and C |
| HIV/AIDS | None | HIV is not infectious through casual contact. There have been no recorded cases of spread within a nursery or school. Good hygiene will minimise any possible danger of spread of HIV |
| Meningococcal meningitis / septicaemia | Until recovered | Meningitis C is preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. The HPU will give advice on any action needed and identify contacts requiring antibiotics |
| Meningitis due to other bacteria | Until recovered | Hib meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis are preventable by vaccination. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. Always contact the local HPU who will give advice on any action needed and identify contacts requiring antibiotics |
| Meningitis viral | None | Milder illness. There is no reason to exclude siblings and other close contacts of a case. Contact tracing is not required |
| MRSA | None | Good hygiene, in particular hand washing and environmental cleaning, are important to minimise any danger of spread. If further information is required contact your local HPU |
| Mumps | Five days from onset of swollen glands | Preventable by vaccination (MMR x2 doses) |
| threadworms | None | Treatment is recommended for the child and household contacts |
| Tonsillitis | After diagnosis of Tonsillitis from GP exclusion of 48 hours | Some cases are due to viruses and do not need an antibiotic |
For further advice and information:
NHS direct: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 4647
Health Protection Unit (HPU):
Essex Health Protection Unit
8 Collingwood Road
Witham
Essex
CM8 2TT
Tel: 0845 1550069 Fax: 01376 302278
Email: EHPTInfo@essexhpa.nhs.uk
