As a new school year begins and students prepare to hit the books, their parents are bracing for the inevitable wave of back-to-school germs.
To avoid back-to-school bugs, Mercy Health encourages parents to take proactive measures before sending students off to school.
“Students returning to school are in close contact others and will likely be exposed to new environments and germs,” said Dr. Garima Methi, a family medicine doctor at Mercy Health – Maumee Primary Care. “No matter the age of your student, there are valuable health habits that parents can help instill to help ward off sickness. Additionally, making sure you get your student in to the doctor for a wellness visit can help bolster confidence that they are set up for a healthy start to the new school year.”
Here are some essential tips Mercy Health offers parents hoping to prevent back-to-school sickness:
Ensure Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Check with your child’s doctor to see if they need any vaccines or boosters. In general, children entering kindergarten and 6th grade are required to present a vaccination record.
In Ohio, students entering 7th and 12th grades must have the meningococcal vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends all children, aged six months and older, receive a flu shot.
Teach Good Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene is vital for staying healthy. It’s important to teach students the importance of proper handwashing techniques using soap and water. To avoid spreading germs, it’s also imperative to show youngsters how to cover cough and sneezes with their elbows instead of their hands.
Also, while sharing with friends may sound like fun, things like drinks, earbuds, and brushes are better off not being passed around. Otherwise, you may end up sharing more than was intended.
Establish a Regular Sleep Routine
“Getting enough rest helps strengthen the immune system, making it easier to fend off common school-time illnesses,” Dr. Methi emphasized. “Sleep offers the body an opportunity to rejuvenate. Not getting enough sleep means your body might not be ready to protect itself when encountering new germs.”
While it can be challenging to transition from a summer to school sleep schedule, there are some ways to ease into it. Prior to the start of school, experts recommend you adjust bedtimes and wake times daily by 15 minutes. Eliminating caffeine six hours before bedtime, beginning the bedtime routine one hour before bed, and turning off electronics can also help make falling to sleep a little easier.
Promote Healthy Eating and Hydration
It’s important to make sure students are getting all the nutrients they need. Start by making sure they eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients. Staying hydrated also helps flush germs out of their systems more effectively. Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and strengthening the immune system, too.
“By following these simple yet effective steps, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their students falling ill during the school year,” Dr. Methi said. “Proactive health measures are key to ensuring a smooth and healthy transition back to school.”
If you need to set up a back-to-school checkup with a provider, visit mercy.com<http://mercy.com/> and use our Find a Physician tool to locate a caregiver near you.