HSE Shares Essential Back to School Health Tips for Cork Families

As children across Cork prepare to return to classrooms, the HSE has released comprehensive guidance to help parents navigate everything from sleep routines to choosing the right school bag, whilst warning of increased measles and whooping cough cases across Europe.

The HSE's mychild.ie experts are offering practical advice to ease the transition back to school after the summer holidays, with particular emphasis on re-establishing routines, managing anxiety, and protecting children from common classroom illnesses.

Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health:

"Whether your child is returning to school or starting, the transition can bring a mix of emotions from excitement to anxiety. It's a very busy time for parents from sorting out school bags to helping children get into a routine after the summer holidays."

Getting Sleep Schedules Back on Track

With longer summer evenings now giving way to school mornings, the HSE recommends gradually reintroducing consistent bedtime routines. Parents are advised to maintain calm evening routines with time for reading and chatting to support good sleep quality, whilst being patient as children readjust to more structured schedules.

Managing School Anxiety

After months at home with family, some children may feel nervous about returning to school. The HSE suggests parents take time to listen and validate their children's feelings, reminding them of previous times they've successfully faced fears. If anxiety persists or affects daily life, parents should consult their school or GP for additional support.

Choosing Proper Equipment

The right school bag can prevent back problems. The HSE recommends backpack-style bags with two wide, padded, adjustable straps, positioned so the bottom sits just above the child's waist. A waist belt can help distribute weight more evenly.

For school shoes, parents should ensure there's about 1cm of space between toes and the shoe tip, check that heels aren't slipping, and confirm children can wiggle their toes comfortably.

Preventing Classroom Illness Spread

With measles and whooping cough cases rising across Europe this year, the HSE is urging parents to ensure children are fully vaccinated. Schools, pre-schools and childcare facilities often see outbreaks of common illnesses including colds, flu, hand foot and mouth disease, RSV, chickenpox, and slapped cheek syndrome.

Children can usually attend school with minor cold symptoms like a runny nose or slight cough. However, they should stay home if experiencing a temperature of 38°C or above, diarrhoea, vomiting, or low energy levels.

Important Health Checks

Junior infants will be offered vision and hearing screening as part of the HSE's school health programme, carried out by public health nurses. Both junior infants and first year secondary students will receive vaccination offers at school; parents should check school bags for consent forms and return them promptly.

The HSE advises parents to save important numbers including their GP's out of hours service and the Poisons Information Line (01 809 2166), which operates from 8am to 10pm daily. Cork parents should also familiarise themselves with local injury units and urgent care facilities for non-life-threatening conditions.

Upcoming Flu Vaccine

The free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 17 will be available this autumn from participating GPs, pharmacies and some schools across Cork.

Parents seeking additional advice can visit the HSE's mychild.ie website or listen to the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast (episode 65) featuring Dr Collins's back to school tips.