Influenza prevention
A practical centre checklist when influenza risk increases.
Summary: Influenza spreads through respiratory secretions and contaminated hands/surfaces. For childcare centres, the most useful operational response is consistent hygiene, clear sick-child procedures, cough/sneeze etiquette, hand hygiene, cleaning of high-touch items and timely parent communication.
Daily operational checks
Hand hygiene
Keep handwashing routines frequent and supervised, especially before meals and after coughing, sneezing or toilet use.
Keep handwashing routines frequent and supervised, especially before meals and after coughing, sneezing or toilet use.
Respiratory etiquette
Reinforce covering coughs and sneezes and disposing of tissues promptly.
Reinforce covering coughs and sneezes and disposing of tissues promptly.
High-touch cleaning
Prioritise door handles, tables, shared toys, switches and frequently handled teaching materials.
Prioritise door handles, tables, shared toys, switches and frequently handled teaching materials.
Sick-child process
Have a clear procedure for identifying symptoms, separating an unwell child appropriately and contacting parents.
Have a clear procedure for identifying symptoms, separating an unwell child appropriately and contacting parents.
What centres should communicate to parents
Use simple factual wording: what the centre observed, what hygiene steps were strengthened, and what parents should watch for at home. Avoid alarming language or implying a diagnosis unless it has been medically confirmed.
When multiple cases appear
Increase cleaning attention, review attendance and symptom records, reinforce staff hygiene, and follow current public-health advice. Medical diagnosis, treatment and outbreak instructions should come from qualified healthcare professionals and relevant authorities.