Bracing for the inevitable wave of back-to-school germs those fresh sneakers and backpacks might bring home?
Here are eight tips to help your children (and your family) avoid getting sick during those first few weeks of school:
- Encourage proper handwashing. Teach children to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after contact with someone who is sick.
- Practice good sneeze etiquette. Instruct children to sneeze into their elbow to help prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid sharing personal items. Teach kids not to share items that go in or near their mouth or others’ mouths, such as water bottles or earbuds.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. Make sure your children are current on all recommended vaccines, especially the flu shot.
- Support their immune system. Ensure your children get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and take a multi-vitamin as needed to help fight off illness.
- Sanitize high-touch items and surfaces. Regularly clean commonly used areas in your home. Don’t forget to sanitize your child’s backpack and cell phone often.
- Send hand sanitizer. Equip your child’s backpack with hand sanitizer and encourage them to use it frequently throughout the day.
- Keep sick kids home. If your child has a fever, is coughing or sneezing excessively, or shows signs of a contagious illness, keep them home to rest and recover — and to prevent spreading germs to others.
If your child becomes ill, we are here to help! Open late, 7 days a week! Find a location near you.
Source: Riverside Medical Clinic