In the weeks just after school starts up, illness seems to infiltrate every household. In fact, it's so common, many parents dub it the "back-to-school sickness".
While kids spend the summer playing outside, getting extra exercise and sleep, and mostly being carefree, going back to school means moving indoors, being exposed to more people than over the summer, and introducing more stress–the perfect circumstances for germs to spread!
The most common back-to-school illnesses include colds (sneezing, coughing, sore throats), stomach bugs (vomiting and diarrhea) and pink eye (also called conjunctivitis). More serious illnesses could include COVID-19 or pneumonia. All of these can be transferred around by kids at school, and then come home and infect adults.
The good news is that there are some easy things parents can do to keep kids healthy:
1. Teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes. Most adults understand they shouldn’t cough and sneeze on the people around them. Kids, not so much! Teach kids to cough and sneeze into their elbow to avoid spreading respiratory droplets from their nose and mouth. Kids should not cover their cough and sneeze with their hands, as they will then use their hands to touch shared items at school.
2. Discuss good hand hygiene. Washing hands is the best way to prevent illness! Children should ideally wash their hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, before and after eating, after sneezing or blowing their nose, and after using high-touch surfaces like door knobs and handrails. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer may also be used.
3. Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Whether it's from jitters or excitement, children are likely to not get enough sleep at this time of year. Encourage them to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group: school age kids need nine to 12 hours each night, and teens need eight to 10.
If your child does fall ill, remember that children cannot use the same medications for back-to-school colds and coughs as adults. Instead, look for products that are specifically formulated for children. The back of the box will tell you the right dose based on the child’s age and weight. Ask your pharmacist for help selecting the right product and dose for your child. And remember, your pharmacist can also check for interactions with other medications the child may be taking.
Back-to-School Vaccines
Though each state and school district may have their own requirements, there are a few common vaccines required before starting school:
- DTaP, or Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis. This is one shot that protects against three deadly diseases: pertussis, also known as whooping cough; tetanus, which is a bacteria that can lead to muscle spasms and even death if not treated; and diphtheria, a bacterial infection.
- Polio vaccine. Invented by Jonas Salk in Pennsylvania, this vaccine protects from a disease that can cause paralysis of the legs and more if left untreated.
- MMR. Measles, mumps and rubella are diseases that were thought to be gone thanks to this vaccine! However, a small number of cases have been reported recently in the U.S, so seeking vaccination is recommended in many school districts.
- Chickenpox vaccine. Most schools require evidence of vaccination, though some will accept documentation from the pediatrician that the child has already had chickenpox.
Talk to your pediatrician for more information on required vaccines and to make sure your child is up to date. Questions about vaccines? Reach out to a trusted health care professional like your pharmacist.
While illness is somewhat inevitable in the school environment, it is possible to take steps to minimize risk. Ensure that your kid doesn't miss out on important lessons or activities by educating them on the risk of germs and how to stay healthy.
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