A range of seasonal illnesses tend to rise at this time of the year, but there are simple steps families can take now to help protect themselves.

One of the most important steps is knowing when to keep a child at home to help prevent infections spreading to others. It is fine to send a child into school or nursery with a minor cough or common cold if they are otherwise well and do not have a high temperature.

However, if they have a fever they should stay at home until they are feeling better and their temperature has returned to normal. Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their last episode. If they test positive for Covid-19, they should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the positive test.

Children who have suspected or confirmed measles should not attend school until 4 days after their rash started. Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sneezing, high temperature and red, sore or watery eyes. White spots may appear inside the mouth before a red brown rash develops on the face and body.

Viral infections such as chickenpox can spread in schools at any time of year and are highly contagious. An itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox and can appear anywhere on the body.

Other illnesses that typically become more common during the winter months include bacterial infections such as scarlet fever. Symptoms of this include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, a bumpy rash on the chest and tummy with a sandpaper like feel, flushed cheeks and ‘strawberry tongue’. Parents who suspect their child has scarlet fever should contact their GP, while the child should stay away from nursery or school for 24 hours after having a first dose of antibiotics.

Parents are also being encouraged to check that their children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations, which offer the best protection against many common but potentially serious illnesses. They can do this by checking their child’s red book or contacting their GP practice.

School aged children and young people are offered a range of vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, HPV vaccine, MenACWY vaccine and the teenage booster protecting against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. For many vaccinations, including MMR/MMRV, it is never too late to catch up. Parents whose child has missed one or more vaccinations are encouraged to contact their GP practice.

Practicing good hygiene remains important. Parents should encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and use tissues when coughing or sneezing. Opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate can also help reduce the spread of airborne viruses.

Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on children’s health, and so the UK Health Security Agency recommends heating rooms that children spend a lot of time in to at least 18 degrees centigrade. Babies should not get too hot, though.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Returning to school, or starting school for the first time, is an exciting period for children and families.

"As we move into autumn and winter, there are simple steps parents and carers can take to help keep their children healthy, reduce the spread of illness and avoid unnecessary time away from school.

"Knowing when to keep a child at home, encouraging good hygiene and making sure they are up to date with routine vaccinations can all make a real difference.

"We know that vaccination remains the best protection against a range of potentially serious illnesses, but we have seen childhood vaccination rates fall in recent years – increasing the risk of outbreaks in schools and the wider community.

"If you're not sure whether your child has had all their recommended vaccinations, check their red book or contact your GP. By taking these simple preventative steps and recognising the symptoms of common illnesses, we can all help children stay healthy, stay in school and enjoy the school year."