Buying school supplies. Shopping for new clothes. Adjusting to new routines. As you prepare your children for the new school year, battling an illness is the last thing you want to add to your to-do list.
Each back-to-school season, pediatricians and primary care doctors see a spike in office visits for bacterial and viral illnesses.
“Let’s face it – going to school exposes kids to an abundance of germs,” says Dr. Ana Vega, pediatrician with Atrium Health Levine Children’s Piedmont Pediatrics. “While there’s no way to completely prevent them from picking up a bug, you can reduce their chances of getting and spreading common illnesses.”
Atrium Health experts can help you safeguard your family’s well-being with proven health and hygiene tips. Tess James, family nurse practitioner with Atrium Health Transition Clinic/Primary Care Union West, shares recommendations to help strengthen the immune system and reduce your family’s risk of getting sick.
Common back-to-school illnesses
“Many viral illnesses, including the common cold, sore throat viruses, stomach viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu, start spreading soon after school begins and when the weather starts to cool down,” explains Dr. Rita Chen, pediatrician with Levine Children's Shelby Children's Clinic. “We also see strep throat, a common bacterial infection, pick up when school starts.”
Chen offers words of wisdom to parents of young children who are frequently sick with common illnesses.
“Many children entering school or day care for the first time get sick a lot,” she says. “It can feel like every month for some families. Your child's immune system is being exposed to viruses it's never seen before. Rest assured, their immune system and overall health will improve during the second school year.”
Seven simple health tips
Keep the whole family healthy by following these simple health guidelines:
- Emphasize good hygiene habits
Teaching children the importance of good hygiene is the first line of defense against the spread of germs. Ensure they understand the following basics:
- Hand-washing. Encourage regular hand-washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. To wash properly, create a lather with the soap and spread the lather between your fingers, under your nails and over the backs of your hands. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds.
- Hand sanitizer. Provide hand sanitizer for times when washing hands isn’t feasible. To sanitize properly, apply sanitizer to your hands, covering all surfaces with the gel. Rub it into your skin until it’s dry.
- Coughing and sneezing etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. If a tissue isn’t handy, use your upper sleeve or elbow. Never use your hands!
- Keep vaccinations up to date
“Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of many contagious diseases,” notes James. “Check with your child’s pediatrician to ensure they’re up to date on their recommended vaccines, especially for respiratory illnesses. Immunization not only protects vaccinated children but also helps shield more vulnerable family members.”
- Eat healthy, stay hydrated
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can boost the immune system. Limit your family’s intake of added sugar, processed carbohydrates, saturated fat and salt.
Ensure your children – along with your entire family – are drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps the body fight off infections more effectively. Here are some daily hydration recommendations based on age:
- 1 to 3 years: 4 cups (including water and milk)
- 4 to 8 years: 5 cups
- Older children: 7 to 8 cups
- Teens: 8 to 11 cups
- Adults: 10 cups
Additional fluids may be needed to support a person’s activity level.
- Practice regular cleaning and disinfecting
Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, TV remotes, light switches, countertops, cellphones and tablets. As soon as children get home from school, encourage them to change out of their school clothes and wash their hands to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid sharing personal items
Teach children the importance of not sharing personal items with their classmates. Personal items include water bottles, food, towels, face coverings and utensils. This healthy habit can significantly reduce the transmission of germs.
- Be alert to symptoms
Be alert to any signs of illness in your children or yourself. Common cold or flu-like symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, congestion and headache. Early detection can prevent the spread of illness to other family members.
Keep your children home if they feel sick to prevent spreading germs at school. If they have a fever, keep them home for at least 24 hours to recover.
- Stay informed
Stay informed about any illness outbreaks at your child's school. Schools often send notifications to families about contagious illnesses that have been reported. This information can help you take extra precautions at home.
While the back-to-school season brings the excitement of new beginnings, it also presents challenges that can compromise your family’s health.
“By implementing these strategies, parents can reduce the risk of illness and create a healthier environment for the entire family,” James says. “Remember, a proactive approach to health and hygiene can go a long way in protecting your household from those unwelcome back-to-school germs.”
Here's to a healthy, happy and productive school year!
As the region's most preferred health care provider, Atrium Health Primary Care is making primary care easier and better for you and your family. Call us 24/7 at 1-844-235-6997 or make an appointment online.
