The 'Germ Catcher' & Other Secrets to a Sick-Free School Year
School is back in session and so is the beginning of cold and flu season. Did you know infants and children will experience illness 8 to 12 times more in their first year of childcare? Here are a few ways to help prevent illness and keep your child safe this school year:
- Keep your infant or child up to date on all available vaccines
- Show your children the “germ catcher” technique by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
- Teach your child proper hand washing and ensure it’s done frequently, especially at these times:
- After arriving home from school or daycare
- Before and after eating
- After playing outside
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing or sneezing, especially if they didn’t cover their mouths properly
- After rubbing their eyes or nose or putting fingers in their mouth
- Before and after playing in water with other children
- After playing with a pet
- Disinfect high touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, handles, etc.) frequently
- Prevent older siblings from bringing illness home to young infants by:
- Washing their hands before touching the baby
- Not touching or kissing littles ones on the face
- Keep your child home when they’re sick
- If you’re unsure if your child is contagious or not, call or visit your pediatrician
Other references:
KidsHealth Library
