Back-to-school season is exciting. Kids get to see friends, meet new teachers and settle into new routines. But there’s one part of going back to school that no one looks forward to and that’s all the germs kids come into contact with.
When children spend hours together in classrooms and cafeterias and on playgrounds, they naturally share more than school supplies. Colds, stomach bugs, strep throat, flu and other viruses can spread quickly.
Kids are still building their immune systems, so they tend to catch illnesses more often than adults. Younger kids may get sick several times each year as their bodies learn to recognize and fight off new viruses. Once one child gets sick, germs can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, shared toys, desks, doorknobs and even high-fives.
While no one can prevent every illness, these simple habits can lower your child's risk of getting sick and help keep the whole family healthier throughout the school year:
- Practice good handwashing. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom and after blowing their nose or playing outside. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer.
- Keep hands away from the face. Germs often enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Remind kids to avoid rubbing their eyes or biting their nails.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow instead of their hands. Throw tissues away right after using them.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. Routine childhood vaccines, including the yearly flu vaccine, help protect children from serious illnesses and reduce the spread of disease at school.
- Get enough sleep. Well-rested kids have stronger immune systems. Most school-age children need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teens need 8 to 10 hours.
- Pack healthy meals and snacks. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and dairy foods provide nutrients that support a healthy immune system.
- Encourage plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps children feel their best and supports normal body functions.
- Keep sick kids home. If your child has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea, keep them home until they recover. Staying home helps them heal while protecting classmates and teachers from getting sick.
No parent wants their child to get sick. Although germs are part of growing up, healthy daily habits can reduce the chances of illness and help children recover more quickly when they do come into contact with viruses. Following these tips not only keeps kids healthier but also helps the entire family stay illness-free because germs caught in the classroom often make their way into your home and can spread quickly once they get there.
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