illness and nursery

[user1490465531]

just a quick rant really but wanted to ask others opinion.
I work in a nursery and whilst I don't mind the job I'm finding that every weekend I'm ill as I'm picking up colds/virus from the children as most of them still seem to come in sick or come back to nursery before they have fully recovered.
I worked in a school before and never had this issue but it's beginning to annoy me how every weekend is ruined as I'm feeling like crap.
so aibu and just have to accept this is part of the job? I do take vitamin supplements to boost my immune system but it's not doing much to help.
just wondered if other nursey workers have this issue.
parents don't even want to pick up there children when they are ill or will dose them up on medicene when they are ill and still send them in which doesn't help the problem.

Good to know about the water temperature. It still feels yuck to wash in lukewarm water buts that's clearly me. We have soap obviously, I'm going to start humming God save the queen a Lot!

I'm in a pre-school. It's been almost a year and although I'm usually healthy and energetic this year I've caught loads of viruses. I don't get paid if I'm not there so I've pushed through. My body is currently punishing me for this with a 3 week long flu type virus, I feel awful and sorry for myself

Right....so you need to turn up at work sick because you don't get paid for it, but can't see why parents might sometimes need to attend work when their child is sick?

Lots of children do spend a long time messing about at the sinks!

Yeah, she wasn't though, she was diligently washing her hands for the required 30 seconds (reception class) as she'd been previously taught in another setting, and got told off as:

"We don't have time for all that!"

Only for a school nurse to come in and confirm the original info a few weeks later. She just ignores anyone who tells her to hurry up now. But most children and adults don't wash their hands properly.

lots of interesting points it is hard to enforce everything but I will take note about keeping windows open and with hand washing I always do anyway that's just normal in a nursery setting anyway.

Dump the vitamins. If you have a healthy diet they're a complete waste of money and aren't helping.

As others have said, your hygiene is the key. Wash hands properly and frequently. Keep your hands away from your face and, if you can, keep the kids' hands away from your face.

it's hard though when a child jumps on you for a cuddle but they have a runny nose,sneezing and if I just pushed them away I would feel like a bitch although I know that close contact is going to make me come down with something!

his year I've caught loads of viruses. I don't get paid if I'm not there so I've pushed through

So you go to work and give your viruses to children? Nice.

I think it's one of those things OP, you can't expect parents to keep children with minor illnesses at home as they need to work as well.

My nursery told me it was fine to send my little one is with hand foot and mouth. I didn't and was surprised that they were ok with this.

My sister works in a nursery and been involved with first years coming up close for.... 18 years.

She's still always sick unfortunately!

What nocake said. Particularly the part about avoiding touching anywhere on your face, and trying to not let the children touch your face either. Also, always wash your hands before touching any food, including your own snacks/lunch. Sounds a bit of a faff, but it really cuts down on catching illnesses and colds.