As the autumn term looms Gabrielle Fagan explains what ailments your child can expect to come across in the classroom - and what to do about them.

CHILDREN starting school next week aren't just going to make new friends - they're also going to encounter new germs and a variety of ailments. Parents need to get ready to try to repel a barrage of yucky attackers, from worms to head lice, as well as coping with the inevitable sniffles and throats, and the bugs that whip round a class at the speed of light.

''Most parents can expect their young child may be a little unsettled in the first few days of school, because they're nervous and stressed,'' Dr Wendy Denning says. ''Some may complain of a headache, a tummy ache, lack of appetite and have trouble sleeping. Those things generally are just a symptom of first week nerves and pass as the routine becomes familiar and they gain confidence.''

But she believes parents should also be aware of the basic ailments common among schoolchildren so they can help their youngster fight off infection in a variety of simple ways.

''A few days before school get your child into a bedtime routine so he or she doesn't start school tired and under par. This will affect the immune system and make them more vulnerable to germs. Also, try to make sure they have five helpings of vegetables and fruit a day and eat a healthy, balanced diet. If that's difficult make sure they have a daily multi-vitamin supplement.''

Dr Denning, who's a director of Health Doctors, an integrated medical clinic in London, also points out that it's vital to ensure vaccinations are up to date so that children are protected from the most common childhood illnesses.

''Most children are healthy enough to fight off germs,'' she adds. "Common sense measures like getting them to be disciplined about washing their hands after the toilet and before meals can mean they're less likely to get irritating conditions passed on by contact, such as worms or an eye condition like conjunctivitis.''

Follow our school report on itches, bugs and infections.

VOMITING & DIARRHOEA

UPSET tummies are common and can cause pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dr Denning says: ''These usually clear up of their own accord and children should just be kept at home and given lots of fluids. Parents who've just returned with their children from a holiday abroad should be aware though that if the symptoms continue beyond a few days or are severe, the child could have picked up a virus, bacteria or more seriously a parasite. They should see their doctor who may require tests to check.''

WHAT CAN I DO?

WHILE your child's ill, if it's just a normal tummy bug, avoid giving them solid foods until their appetite has returned. Make sure they drink regularly, but avoid cow's milk until at least 24 hours after the diarrhoea has settled. If you are worried, the symptoms persist or vomit contains blood, seek medical advice.

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

NOT as well known as nits (head lice) but millions of British children suffer from this unsightly, irritating condition which can last months or even years. It's a highly contagious skin infection and the signs are pinky white spots, often in clusters, usually on the torso, limbs and face. Most get between one and 20 but some can have more than 100 spots.

When the spots, or lesions, rupture, they produce a white substance which is contagious. It can be picked up by sharing clothing, towels and also in swimming pools.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Encourage your child to take sensible precautions to avoid spreading or catching molluscum by getting them to wash their hands frequently, and not share clothes or towels. Dr Denning says: ''Although it looks unsightly, it's not harmful and will go with time. Once you've had it, you do get immunity so won't catch it again.''

Exercise can be helpful in speeding up recovery as it improves circulation and will help the body get rid of toxins. If lesions become red, inflamed and itchy, it's a sign of a secondary bacterial condition which does need antibiotic treatment.

THREADWORMS

THESE are common in children, and are tiny white worms that are about half an inch long and live in the gut and around the bottom. Sometimes they can be seen in a child's faeces and are often seen around and on the anus. They look like tiny threads of white cotton.

WHAT CAN I DO?

A pharmacist can recommend treatment and all members of the family should have it, even if they don't have any symptoms. Repeat treatment after two weeks to ensure complete eradication. To stop it spreading, keep your child's fingernails short and clean, make them wear pyjamas or pants in bed and regularly change bed linen. Make sure the family washes hands and scrubs nails before a meal and after using a toilet.Visit www.dpp.org.uk for more information on this and other childhood ailments.

MENINGITIS

MENINGITIS is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and septicaemia affect about 3,000 people every year in the UK and Ireland and there are more cases in winter than in summer.

Anyone can get the diseases, but babies, children and young adults are most at risk.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Dr Denning says: ''This is obviously a serious condition and needs emergency treatment. The best thing parents can do is to be aware of the symptoms. If a child has a combination of symptoms - is unwell with a high fever, sore throat, neck pain, aching muscles and joints, vomiting and a severe headache - they should be seen as an emergency.''

Visit www.meningitis.org for further information. A kit which includes a list of common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, the Meningitis Arc is available from Boots and www.meningitisalert.co.uk priced £9.99.

DEHYDRATION

NOT drinking enough fluid can result in a child becoming tired and irritable, with poor concentration and memory loss - all damaging to classroom performance. A new survey by drinks company, Robinsons, recently revealed that over half of mums in the UK are unaware of the correct amount their child should be drinking - six to eight glasses a day - and the average child only has one and a half glasses of fluid throughout a school day. Northerners are least likely to be aware of how much fluid their children drink.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Make sure your child has drinks in his or her packed lunch and is aware they should find time for drinks at break and lunchtimes.

BACK PAIN

BEING overloaded with books may mean your child is enviably swotty, but it could also sentence them to a lifetime of back pain. Around eight to ten per cent of all school children suffer chronic or recurrent back pain, and the average child carries more than 30 per cent of their bodyweight in their school backpack. We're lagging behind Europe on protecting children - France, Germany and Holland have policies on allowable weights for backpacks, as does Japan.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Try to discourage your child from carrying everything around with them (it can be a sign they're disorganised). Consider providing what claims to be the first ergonomically designed school bag by Wheeley Bags. It starts from £39.99. Visit www.wheeleybags.co.uk or call 0845-4348454.