Parents in the ACT have been urged to keep their sick kids at home over the holidays due to outbreaks of gastro and a respiratory virus.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Vanessa Johnston issued a public health alert on Thursday due to an increase in both gastro and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among children in the territory.
She said the number of reported gastro cases was more than four times higher than average in November, while cases of RSV have increased ten-fold since 2019.
Dr Johnston said the same precautions used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also slow down the spread of both gastro and RSV.
"That means washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, remembering to physically distance when possible and importantly, staying home when you are sick," she said.
"I strongly urge parents to keep their children at home if they are at all unwell."
RSV causes respiratory and occasionally ear infections. Some symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose and wheezing mirror those of COVID-19.
"Because RSV can have very similar symptoms to COVID-19, it is also important to remember that anyone, including children, who develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat should get tested for COVID-19," Dr Johnston said.
Most children recover from the infection in eight to 15 days.
Gastro symptoms meanwhile include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and muscle aches.
Dr Johnston said the best way to prevent the spread of gastro was washing hands with soap and water and cleaning surfaces such as benchtops, computers, doorknobs and mobile phones frequently.
Children with respiratory symptoms should remain home until symptoms have resolved, while those with gastro should stay home for at least 48 hours after diarrhoea and vomiting have completely resolved.
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