Back to School – Back to Germs!
Filed Under assorted viruses, ear, nose & throat, is it contagious?, prevention, sneezing & wheezing | Comments Off
Ok, the kids are back in school. Give it a week or two and the viruses will return also. You know them all too well….ear infections, colds, sore throat, stomach virus, pink eye, the works! How can they protect themselves from these common afflictions? While it may be impossible to avoid all together, some plain old common sense can help immensely.
Washing hands with warm water and soap thoroughly is a big step in the right direction (remind them to sing their ABC’s or Happy Birthday while lathering – for proper timing).
Eating properly, taking vitamin supplements and getting enough sleep (adjust bedtime hours) will also help to promote a strong immune system.
If for some reason illness strikes – stay home if there is a fever present (even low grade) to risk spreading the virus! If antibiotics are prescribed, stay home until 24 hours have passed after starting the medication.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most overlooked, but important points that many parents ignore when it comes to their children and themselves! They send their kids to school sick because they have to work and they report to work themselves when they are sick – making everyone else around them (or their kids) sick. Inconsiderate? Yes. My #1 Pet peeve? Yes! Yes! Yes! It should be a firing offense!
If you get sick, stay home and get well.
