Avoiding Illness in the Classroom
- Category: Blog
- Posted On:
- Written By: Northern Inyo Healthcare District
5 Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy
As the weather starts to cool and children head back to school, illnesses can spread. There are a few key things that parents can do to help reduce the chances of their child getting sick:
1. Teach proper hygiene.
The same hygiene tips you use to prevent getting sick can be taught to your little one. You can lead by example by practicing and teaching these actions:
- Encourage them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating or after using the bathroom.
- Use hand sanitizer often.
- Help them avoid touching their face.
- Teach them to cough or sneeze into their elbow.
2. Schedule their routine physical.
A child's annual physical helps set them up for a healthy school year, track their development, and prevent the spread of disease. Illnesses are more common among children who are not up-to-date on their vaccinations, so a back-to-school physical is an excellent opportunity to ensure your child is current on all of their shots.
3. Keep them home if they are sick.
If you notice signs of your little one being sick, keep them home from school. This helps prevent the spread of illness and gives your child time to rest and recover.
Some of the most common diseases that affect children during the fall and winter months include colds, flu, strep throat, and stomach viruses. Most schools have policies regarding when a child can return to school after an illness, so be sure to check with your child's school before sending them back.
If your child does happen to get sick, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better:
- Give them plenty of fluids.
- Help them rest.
- Keep them comfortable.
- Check with your pediatrician if their symptoms seem severe or if they don't seem to be getting better after a few days.
4. Pack a healthy lunch.
Not only does a nutritious lunch help your little one grow up healthy and strong — but it also helps to protect their immune system to prevent illness. Be sure to add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein.
5. Stay connected to your child's school.
Most illnesses that affect children can be easily spread from person to person. Parents need to stay informed on events at their child's school. If there is a breakout of an illness, the school will usually send a notice.
