Discover Some Tips to Prevent Your Child’s Contact with Germs and Frequency of Illnesses This School Year

As your family begins to prepare for a new school year, new teachers, and new classrooms, it is important to be mindful of the introduction to new germs. Illness during the fall back-to-school season is very common. We know no parent likes to see their child sick; fortunately, there are ways to prevent back-to-school illnesses, and if your child does end up feeling under the weather, we’re here for that too!

When children spend a long time in enclosed spaces, like school, it’s easy to share germs. Germs can linger on classroom desks, tables, or doorknobs exposing anyone who comes in contact. It’s extremely common for children to catch an illness from school. On average, younger school children will get six to eight colds a school year. Fortunately, as your children get older and are more exposed to various germs, the risk for illnesses at school significantly decreases.

Common Back to School Illnesses

The infectious germs that children encounter are typically extremely contagious and spread rapidly around classrooms and playgrounds through close contact. Some of the most common school illnesses are:

The Common Cold

The common cold, caused by various viruses, is the most frequent infection in children. It often results in mild symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever.

Pink Eye

Pink eye occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the eyes, causing them to appear red with green or yellow drainage. In the morning, the eye may appear shut and covered with crust due to the discharge from the infection. Pink eye is highly contagious, so it’s important for kids to avoid rubbing their eyes.

Stomach Flu

When a virus attacks the stomach and intestines, causing extreme diarrhea and vomiting, it is most likely stomach flu. It’s important to ensure your child drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes severe throat pain, along with fever and headache. It is most commonly spread through sharing drinks and utensils. Antibiotics are often recommended to prevent further complications.

Prevent Back to School Illnesses

It’s impossible for children to avoid all germs, no matter how careful they are. However, there are ways to reduce the spread of germs and frequency of illnesses with some prevention tips.

1. Enforce the Basics

After a long summer of fun, children probably don’t have health basics at the top of their minds as they return to school. It’s important to reinforce basic healthy habits like regular and proper handwashing, as well as the appropriate way to cough and sneeze to help prevent the spread of germs.

2. Get Sleep

Sleep has a direct effect on the immune system and its ability to fight against infections. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends sleep hours based on age. Parents are recommended to enforce an age-appropriate bedtime and routine to ensure their children get enough quality sleep.

3. Eat Nutrient Enriched Foods and Keep Physically Active

Ensuring a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity not only boosts the immune system but also supports the proper functioning of all major body systems. It is recommended that children eat a balanced diet of nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats and engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to maintain a robust immune system to fight off infectious germs.

If your child is sick, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is open 24/7, before, during, and after school hours, to ensure the health and safety of your little one. Our team of experts specialize in pediatrics and are dedicated to quickly treating your child and getting them feeling better. We are here to provide the care your family deserves, no matter the illness or injury.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.