Canberrans have been urged to keep sick kids at home as a gastro outbreak hits the territory, with cases last month more than four times the November average.
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ACT Pathology say there has also been a ten fold increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections on the average for this time of year.
ACT deputy chief health officer Vanessa Johnston said the same rules apply to stop the spread of gastro as COVID-19.
"That means washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, remembering to physically distance when possible and importantly, staying home when you are sick," she said.
"I strongly urge parents to keep their children at home if they are at all unwell. If you are concerned about your child's health then please contact your GP, or in an emergency, call 000.
"Because RSV can have very similar symptoms to COVID-19, it is also important to remember that anyone, including children, who develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath or a sore throat should get tested for COVID-19."
ACT Pathology reported 400 cases of RSV in the last quarter to December 6 among children under 5.
RSV causes respiratory and sometimes ear infections. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and wheezing.
While most children recover in eight to 15 days, some, especially those younger than six months, may develop complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia and require admission to hospital.
People can get infected with RSV by breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching their face.
Dr Johnston said outbreaks have been on the rise in the ACT for several month following a lower than usual number of cases of RSV throughout winter.
"Good hand hygiene is the best way of preventing the spread of viral gastroenteritis," she said.
"Washing hands with soap and water is more effective against some viruses that cause gastro than using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
"Surfaces and objects at home and in childcare settings, like benchtops, doorknobs, computers and mobile phones, should be cleaned frequently. When cleaning, use a detergent-based product to clean surfaces. If cleaning up after a body fluid spill, use a diluted bleach solution after first cleaning the surface with a detergent based product."
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and muscle aches. In childcare settings, children usually get infected when unwashed hands are placed directly in mouths or touch food or drinks.
Parents should monitor their children for symptoms of gastro and respiratory infections. Children with respiratory symptoms should remain home until symptoms have resolved, and children with gastro should stay home for at least 48 hours after diarrhoea and vomiting have completely resolved.
