It happens every year. Back to school not only means back to books – it often means back to school germs and sickness.
Classrooms crowded with 20 to 30 kids are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. So before school even starts, you may be thinking about how you can avoid back-to-school sicknesses.
If your child does get sick, consider making an appointment with your family medicine provider or pediatrician. You can also visit your nearest urgent care location outside of regular business hours.
Why do kids get sick more often when school starts?
Returning to school creates a perfect storm for illness: crowded indoor spaces, shared supplies and plenty of close contact. Add in seasonal changes and kids’ still-developing immune systems, and you’ve got a recipe for runny noses and sore throats.
Common culprits include:
- Respiratory illnesses like RSV and the common cold
- Strep throat and pink eye
- Skin infections like impetigo and MRSA
- Fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot
Ways to prevent kids from getting sick as they return to school
While you may not be able to guarantee your child won’t get sick after they return to school, you can follow some guidelines to help keep them healthy.
“Teaching kids about good hygiene when they are young will help them to carry over what they have learned as they are older,” says Donya Weeks, APRN-CNP, a certified nurse practitioner in our Springfield market.
Make sure vaccines are up to date
Check with your child’s family medicine provider or pediatrician to see if they are due for any vaccines or boosters. Generally, children going into kindergarten and sixth grade are required to bring in a vaccination record. In Ohio, students entering seventh and 12th grades must have the meningococcal vaccine.
Also, don’t forget about a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children 6 months and older get a flu shot. You may also consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination or booster, especially if your child has any underlying health conditions.
Get necessary health checkups
When kids return to school, it’s a great time to get an annual wellness visit, go to the dentist or have their eyes checked. Not only is this the time when you can get those necessary vaccinations, but your pediatrician or family medicine provider can check in with your child on their mental health.
It’s normal to feel a little anxious or nervous about a new school year starting. However, if your child is showing signs of anxiety about school that seem excessive for them, talk with your child’s provider about how you can help them ease their worries.
Additionally, if your child is playing a sport, you can get a sports physical at this appointment ahead of the season’s start.
Teach kids about good hygiene
Good hygiene is key to staying well. Be sure to talk to your children about:
- Proper hand washing using soap and water, washing both sides of hands and between fingers, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
- Not sharing drinks with their friends
- Covering their coughs and sneezes, preferably with their elbows and not their hands
- Not touching their eyes, nose and mouth
- Not sharing things that touch the head, like earbuds, combs, brushes, hats or hair accessories
“Hand sanitizer on a key chain is also great to have in a pinch,” Donya adds.
Get back to a regular sleep routine
Over the summer, most kids sleep in and stay up late, so kids need to get back into their regular sleep schedules as school approaches. Use these sleep tips for kids:
- Two weeks before school, change bedtimes and wake times daily by 15 minutes
- Six hours before bed, cut off all caffeine
- One hour before bed, begin baths, brush teeth and lay out clothes
- At least an hour before bed, turn off electronics and read a book with your child
Regular sleep is critical to helping your child fight off infections. Make sure to provide age-appropriate bedtimes and have a consistent routine, even on weekends.
Eat healthy and stay active
Make sure your kids get plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, which are high in vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients. Whole grains and lean meats are also important for a balanced diet. However, limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help maintain their body’s defenses.
Also, moving their bodies can help. Ensure your child is getting regular physical activity through sports, walking or biking. Staying hydrated during activity is also necessary, but it can also help flush germs out of their systems faster.
Keep sick kids home
If your child has a fever, vomiting or other symptoms, let them rest. This helps prevent spreading illness to classmates.
“Let’s face it, kids are going to share germs,” Donya says. “Knowing how to limit this is helpful. Call or see your provider if they do become ill before you send them back to school.”
How we can help
If you have any questions about how to keep your children healthy this school year, talk with your child’s family medicine provider or pediatrician. However, if they do get sick – and they probably will – make an appointment with their provider to get them on the mend as quickly as possible.
Learn about the primary care and family medicine services we offer at Mercy Health.
