As children head back to school, parents may notice more than homework coming home. They may also see an increase in sniffles, coughs and stomach bugs. According to Meghan Holland, NP-C, a nurse practitioner with Bayhealth Wellness Center, the return to indoor classrooms brings a higher risk for spreading illness.
“Kids are being reintroduced to germs they haven’t been exposed to for months,” Holland explained. “Being indoors more often and under stress weakens their immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to getting sick.”
Bayhealth clinicians often see a seasonal rise in flu, COVID-19, RSV, strep throat and gastrointestinal bugs during the first weeks of school. These illnesses spread quickly in classrooms where students share supplies, food and drinks.
Holland emphasized that one of the simplest steps families can take is also the most effective.
“Hand hygiene plays a huge role in stopping the spread,” she said. “It’s the number one way to prevent illness.”
She noted that proper handwashing requires soap, clean running water and 20 seconds of scrubbing, including between the fingers and around the thumbs. While hand sanitizer is a good backup when soap and water aren’t available, Holland cautioned that it may not work against every virus.
“Handwashing is always best, when possible,” she added.
In addition to hygiene, vaccinations remain critical for community health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends age-appropriate vaccines for all children, including annual flu shots.
“Vaccines not only protect the child who receives them,” Holland said, “but they also help safeguard students, school employees and family members.”
Parents can also support children’s immune systems by encouraging rest, nutrition and hydration.
“Nutrition, hydration and sleep all play a part in immune function,” Holland explained. “Antioxidants, micronutrients like vitamin C and macronutrients like protein help cells repair and fight off infections.”
Managing stress is equally important.
“When children are overwhelmed, their immune response can weaken, leaving them vulnerable to illness,” she said.
Holland advised parents to pay close attention to symptoms. While a common cold should resolve in about a week without a fever, more severe symptoms mean it’s time to keep children home.
“Kids should be fever-free for at least 24 hours and not have active symptoms before returning to school,” she said.
To support families during the school year, Bayhealth provides a wide range of pediatric and adolescent health services, including primary care, walk-in clinics and seven school-based health centers across Kent and Sussex counties. These centers, located in Smyrna, Dover, Caesar Rodney, Lake Forest, Polytech, Milford and Woodbridge high schools, offer sick visits, vaccines and general care.
“These Wellness Centers make it easier for students to get the care they need without missing significant class time,” Holland said.
As students settle back into their routines, Holland says the best prevention remains simple.
“Hand hygiene, hand hygiene, hand hygiene,” she stressed. “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.”
For more information or to find a Bayhealth provider, visit Bayhealth.org/Pediatrics or call 302-725-3550.
