As students settle back into classrooms, homework and extracurricular activities are not the only things they may bring home. The beginning of the school year can also mean increased exposure to germs and a rise in illnesses spreading among children and their families.
Meghan Holland, a nurse practitioner with Bayhealth Wellness Center, said the return to indoor classrooms, changes in routines and exposure to other students can create ideal conditions for illnesses to spread.
“Kids are being reintroduced to germs they haven’t been exposed to for months,” Holland said. “Being indoors more often and under stress weakens their immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to getting sick.”
Bayhealth clinicians often see an increase in illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, strep throat and gastrointestinal illnesses during the early weeks of school. Close contact among students and the sharing of supplies, food and drinks can make it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread.
One of the simplest ways families can reduce the spread of illness is also one of the most effective: washing hands regularly.
“Hand hygiene plays a huge role in stopping the spread,” Holland said. “It’s the number one way to prevent illness.”
Proper handwashing involves using clean running water and soap and scrubbing all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and around the thumbs, for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are unavailable, but Holland cautions that alcohol-based sanitizers are not effective against every virus, stating that handwashing with soap is always the better option.
Good hand hygiene is only one part of keeping children healthy. Holland said nutrition, hydration and adequate sleep also support the immune system.
“Nutrition, hydration and sleep all play a part in immune function,” Holland said. “Antioxidants, micronutrients like vitamin C and macronutrients like protein help cells repair and fight off infections.”
Parents can encourage children to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom while also modeling those habits themselves. Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces can further reduce the spread of germs at home.
Managing stress is another important consideration. Changes in schedules, academic demands and other pressures associated with returning to school can affect children physically as well as emotionally.
Vaccinations also remain an important tool for preventing illness. Age-appropriate immunizations, including annual influenza vaccination, can help protect individual students while reducing the likelihood of infections spreading to classmates, school employees and family members.
“Vaccines not only protect the child who receives them,” Holland said, “but they also help safeguard students, school employees and family members.”
Despite preventive measures, illnesses are still going to happen.
Parents should watch for symptoms that indicate a child needs time at home to recover. Holland said a typical cold generally lasts about a week and should not involve a fever. Children experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea or signs of dehydration should remain home.
“Kids should be fever-free for at least 24 hours and not have active symptoms before returning to school,” Holland said.
Keeping sick children home not only gives them an opportunity to recover but can help prevent an illness from spreading throughout a classroom.
Bayhealth operates seven Wellness Centers in high schools throughout Kent and Sussex counties, including Milford. The centers provide services including sick visits, vaccinations and general healthcare for students enrolled in the program. For families hoping to avoid those sick visits in the first place, Holland’s primary recommendation is straightforward.
“Hand hygiene, hand hygiene, hand hygiene,” she said. “Also, clean high-touch areas regularly and make sure your child eats well, sleeps enough and stays hydrated. These are the best defenses against illness.”
More information about pediatric services and providers is available through Bayhealth.
