The flu and other little bugs, how long am I contagious?

Several common viruses have been doing the rounds on Norfolk lately, - a flu that seems to be knocking people around, as well spring hay fever, a little asthma and the common cold.

You may wonder how long you or your child are infectious.

The Common cold is infectious from 1-2 days before symptoms appear, until all of the symptoms are gone. Most people will be infectious for around 10 days. Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, and this is when you're most likely to spread the virus.

Tummy Bug / Gastro Enteritis – this depends on the cause of the infection which usually is viral or bacterial. For example, most common cause of gastroenteritis is Norovirus. It has an incubation period of about 12 - 48 hours and can cause the person to be contagious during the incubation period and for as long as they shed virus (usually about three days after symptoms stop).

Hand, Foot and Mouth – this is a very contagious virus. People can be contagious during the incubation period (about three to six days) before symptoms develop and may remain contagious for days or weeks after the symptoms and signs cease. People are most contagious during the first week after symptoms and signs develop.

Avoid spreading infection to others with these easy measures.

Good Hygiene - Wash hands before eating. Train children to wash their hands after school or day care and before eating. Remember, wash for 20 seconds.

Do not share eating utensils, glasses, plates, or food.

Stay home – while it may be difficult to keep your child home from day care or school it is most important to do so. A child often recovers quickly, though may pass a virus to an elderly, or immune compromised person who may become seriously ill.

Seek Medical advice, especially if your child’s symptoms become severe, but remember to ring the hospital before you present with a fever, cough, or CV-19 like symptoms.

For more information, visit: http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/guides-handrubbing

We are currently looking for community minded individuals to join our team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information about St John Norfolk or first aid training, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au