Cranbourne South Primary School

Safety & First Aid News 

Let's be SunSmart!

We encourage all of our staff and students to be SunSmart during the current No Hat No Play period.

If students do not have a hat/forget their hat, they will be asked to play in a shaded area during break times.

Allergy Season

For some we are now in 'allergy season'.  A well know allergy is hay fever.

Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of hay fever include:

  • runny nose
  • itchy nose
  • sneezing
  • itchy, watery eyes.

If you child is prone to suffering from hay fever it may be beneficial to administer medication prior to a school day to combat the effect of the symptoms.

If a child requires allergy medication at school, a Medication Authorisation Form will be required along with the medication to be administered.  Please ensure medication is provided in sealed (not opened) packaging.

 

Please note: First Aid does not stock medication to provide students as needed.

 

The current pollen count can be checked using a number of different ways, one being the Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast.

Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases

Victoria’s mosquito season started this month and will extend to late April 2024.

Warm and wet weather can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and increased risk of illnesses from mosquito bites. While the overall risk is low, some mosquitoes carry diseases that make people sick.

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites.

Families can protect against mosquito bites by:

  • covering up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
  • applying insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when leaving home
  • limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.

To reduce the risk of illness linked to mosquitos, such as Buruli ulcer, promptly wash any new scratches or cuts with soap and clean water and apply a topical antiseptic and dressing. Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours). 

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines are available to protect Victorians at higher risk of the virus.

The Victorian Department of Health encourages eligible people who live or work in high-risk local government areas to get vaccinated ahead of summer, which brings an increased mosquito presence.

For more information, including what is considered a high risk area and eligibility for a free vaccine, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.

 

Find out more

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages: