AN EASTER day trip could leave your child with a deadly tummy bug, as parents are warned to wash kids’ hands.
Family days out over Easter could end in disaster if children stroke and pet lambs, health experts warned today.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says at this time of year there’s a spike in gastro-intestinal infections such as cryptosporidium and E.coli associated with activities such as farm visits and petting zoos.
Infections can cause diarrhoea and stomach pains, and in serious cases can lead to severe illness.
They are a particular danger for pregnant women.
Bugs can be picked up either by touching animals in the petting and feeding areas or coming into contact with their droppings on surfaces around the farm.
Many families visit petting zoos and farms over the long weekend where wide-eyed children can stroke the new born lambs.
Sarah Bird, consultant in health protect for UKHSA South West, said “Visiting a farm is a really fun day out which is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children.
“However, it’s important to remember that farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness.
“If the germs are on your hands, you could accidentally pass them to your mouth.
“You can’t see the germs, so your hands may appear clean.
“Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after you have had contact with animals and before eating any food will reduce the risk of infection.
“Do not use gels or wipes instead of soap and water – gels and wipes do not remove bugs in dirt.
“Farms provide hand washing facilities, so we encourage people to make use of these to ensure the only thing you take away from your visit is happy memories.”
Doctors have also urged anyone with prescriptions to stock up before the Easter weekend.
As the four-day bank holiday approaches, you might want to check your medicine cabinet has enough drugs to tide you over, health bosses have said.
This is because pharmacies or GPs might be closed or have different opening times between Friday March 29 and Monday April 1.
Having a “well-stocked” medicine cabinet full of items to treat any unexpected minor health concerns at home can help people avoid visits to A&E over the holiday weekend, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said.
Dr Neil O’Brien, from the ICB said: “One of the best things people can do is keep some basic medicines at home such as paracetamol, plasters, indigestion remedy and anti-diarrhoeal medicine.
“It’s also important to have enough repeat medicine to last over the holidays.”
What does a well-stocked medicine cabinet look like?
Be prepared for common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home
The following list, recommended by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, will help you deal with most minor ailments.
Medicines:
- Pain relief – painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly effective at relieving most minor aches and pains, such as headaches and period pain
- Decongestants – can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose.
- Indigestion treatment – if you have stomach ache or heartburn, a simple antacid will reduce stomach acidity and bring relief
- Antihistamines – these are useful for dealing with allergies and insect bites
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets – these remedies can quickly control the symptoms of diarrhoea, although they don’t deal with the underlying cause.
- Oral re-hydration salts – an easy way to help restore your body’s natural balance of minerals and fluid, and help your recovery after fever, diarrhoea or vomiting
- Sunscreen – keep a sun lotion of at least factor 15 to reduce your risk of skin cancer
First aid kit:
- Bandages – can support injured limbs, such as a sprained wrist, and apply direct pressure to larger cuts before being treated in hospital
- Plasters – a range of sizes, waterproof if possible
- Eyewash solution – this will help wash out grit or dirt in the eyes.
- Thermometer – digital thermometers that you put in your mouth produce very accurate readings; an underarm thermometer or an ear thermometer are good ways to read a baby or young child’s temperature.
- Sterile dressings – larger injuries should be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent infection until treatment can be given by a healthcare professional
- Tweezers – for taking out splinters; if splinters are left in, they can cause discomfort and could become infected
- Antiseptic – this can be used to clean cuts before they’re bandaged, and most can treat a range of conditions, including insect stings, ulcers and pimples; alcohol-free antiseptic wipes are useful to clean cuts
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