It’s that time of year again. Back-to-school season is here, and while some parents may welcome the end of summer, nobody enjoys getting sick. Unfortunately, with school back in session, that means the return of germs, sniffles, and stomach bugs. Once the school year rolls around, it always seems that the back to school germs hit, and they hit hard, despite our best efforts. Schools are a hotspot for bacteria and viruses, affecting everyone, not just the children at the school. Luckily, with these preventative back-to-school health tips, you can have a healthier school year.
The start of the school year can mark the return of runny noses and stomach bugs. While you can’t prevent all illnesses, you can help lower your chances by following these essential back-to-school health tips.
Be Aware of Germs
Germ awareness goes for everyone, adults and children alike. Germs can live on many surfaces, so it’s important to remember not to touch or rub your eyes, nose, or face – especially after you’ve touched a desk or a countertop. Keeping your fingers out of your face and mouth, as well as washing your hands after using the restroom, and before and after every meal can go a long way when you are trying to prevent spreading germs. If you have a child going to school, make sure you raise their awareness of germs to help limit their chances of getting sick.
Follow Healthy Lifestyle Practices
Having a healthy lifestyle can help you ward off illnesses, and help you fight them when and if you do get sick. To fight off germs, you need a healthy immune system. Otherwise, if your body’s defenses are down, you are more likely to get sick. So during the school year make sure you or your children eat a healthy well-rounded diet, get adequate sleep each night, and exercise daily to help keep the immune system strong.
Know When to Call in Sick
If you work at a school or have a child attending, know when to call in sick. Going to school can add to the germ population, so knowing when to call out is crucial. If there is a fever involved, then staying home is your best choice. Even if there’s no fever, but there’s frequent sneezing, a faucet for a nose, or a loose sounding cough, taking the day is best for everyone involved. Even symptoms that stem from a bad cold can encourage the spread of germs, especially if proper precautions are not followed.
