Colds, Flu and Seasonal Viruses

Secondary School Health Update – 2026

Each year, Terms 2 and 3 consistently record the highest levels of absenteeism in secondary schools, largely due to winter respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, COVID‑19 and RSV. Over the past two years, Victoria has continued to experience periods of high virus circulation, placing pressure on schools through increased student and staff absences and reduced continuity of learning.

Secondary schools face particular challenges during winter illness seasons. Students move between multiple classes, teachers, learning spaces and social areas each day, increasing the likelihood of viruses spreading quickly once they enter the school community.

Teenagers and adults alike often feel pressure to “push through” illness due to attendance expectations, assessments, workload, or commitment to peers and colleagues. However, attending school while unwell significantly increases the risk of transmitting illness and often results in longer recovery times.

Cold and flu‑like symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever or fatigue can indicate influenza or COVID‑19, not just a mild cold. Individuals are often most infectious in the first 48–72 hours, sometimes before symptoms feel severe. Staying home during this period plays a critical role in protecting others.

Students and staff are strongly encouraged to remain at home and rest if experiencing:

A fever or chills
Persistent coughing, sore throat or runny nose
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Significant fatigue, body aches or headaches

Coming to school while unwell not only impacts personal wellbeing and learning, but also risks spreading illness to classmates, teachers, office staff, sports teams and families, including those who may be medically vulnerable.

We recognise that secondary students often feel concerned about falling behind academically, and staff may feel a strong responsibility to maintain learning continuity. However, health must remain the priority.

Student absences due to illness should be communicated and supported in line with attendance procedures. Staff may require a medical certificate to support leave requirements. Teaching and wellbeing staff are available to assist students with catching up on learning following illness. Open communication with the College helps ensure appropriate support during absence and upon return to school.

COVID‑19 continues to circulate in the wider community alongside other seasonal viruses. Testing is still recommended when cold or flu‑like symptoms are present. If a test is positive, students and staff should stay home, rest and recover, and only return when they are well enough to participate fully. If symptoms worsen, persist, or cause concern, families and staff should seek advice from a GP or use telehealth services.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity and spread of illness:

Annual influenza vaccination is strongly encouraged for all students and staff where medically possible
COVID‑19 booster doses, where eligible, continue to be available to reduce the risk of severe illness and extended absence particularly for those most medically compromised
Families should ensure routine immunisations are up to date in line with health recommendations.

Small actions continue to make a big difference in shared environments:

Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing
Use hand sanitiser where handwashing facilities are not immediately available
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
Discard used tissues appropriately
Avoid close contact with others when unwell
Clean shared surfaces and equipment where possible
Do not share food, drink bottles or personal items

Looking after yourself helps protect everyone. Rest, hydration, nutritious food and time to recover are essential, particularly during the first few days of illness. Taking care of your health helps maintain safer classrooms, protects vulnerable community members and supports sustained learning for all.

Staying home when sick is not a setback. It is a responsible and respectful choice that strengthens our whole school community.

Miss P Di Maria

Executive Deputy Principal

Sport Corner